Philanthropy

Golden Door has joined with the local government of Escondido, California, to keep the doors open at Forensic Health Services, which helps victims of child abuse and sexual assault. The Golden Door Foundation made a $75,000 unrestricted contribution to support the vital work of Forensic Health Services on the campus of the Palomar Health Center in Escondido. Forensic Health Services is the critical first step for child victims of abuse or molestation, as well as adult victims of sexual assault, to help law enforcement gather evidence for criminal prosecution.

It is our privilege to support the work of Forensic Health Services, said Kathy Van Ness, general manager and chief operating officer of Golden Door. The center provides a critical service to children and adults who need every opportunity for physical, mental and emotional health support from our community.

North County law enforcement officials bring victims to the center, where trained staff is available around the clock to provide medical services. Forensic Health Services works closely with local investigative and prosecutorial agencies to provide complete state-of-the-art assessments that may be used in court later.

From December 31, 2013, to December 31, 2014, Forensic Health Services treated 912 victims, according to the Palomar Health Foundation. Of those treated, 173 were sexual assault exams of victims age 14 and older; 301 were forensic interviews of children age 3 and older; and 438 were foster child health assessments from birth on.

The caring staff of Forensic Health Services are experts who help victims through the profound trauma of sexual abuse and violence with great sensitivity, said Van Ness. We cannot eliminate the scars of abuse, but we can help the people who can help them heal faster.

Child abuse and neglect is a social problem of great magnitude. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States, and this is likely an underestimate because many cases go unreported.

Survivors often experience complex behavioral and emotional trauma symptoms that not only persist through childhood but through their entire lives. Thankfully, with therapeutic care, we can change this trajectory.

Golden Door has teamed up with The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (The NYSPCC) to provide weekly therapy designed to help abused and neglected children heal. The NYSPCC’s clinical team helps children to reduce their trauma symptoms by empowering children to process their trauma memories, reduce unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and develop coping skills. The clinical team also helps parents and caregivers understand their children’s needs and how to assist in the healing process.

Founded in 1875, The NYSPCC was the first agency in the world dedicated to child protection. Throughout its distinguished history, The NYSPCC has sought to develop and implement innovative mental health, legal and educational programs that protect children from harm and ensure their healthy development. The NYSPCC offers its programs free of charge to ensure that children and families with limited resources can access services.

Golden Door is proud to help The NYSPCC provide the compassionate therapeutic care many children need to restore their sense of hope and reclaim their lives.

There are 3.5 Million reports of child abuse made in the U.S. every year. The San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center’s mission is to prevent child abuse and reduce it’s devastating impact. They offer services to help support children and parents, as well as counseling calls on a fielded crisis TALKline. Through strategic partnerships, the San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center is able to improve citywide response to child abuse and improve the system that protects children.

Proton therapy, a form of radiation therapy especially advantageous for children, is offered at the 102,000-square-foot Scripps Proton Therapy Center in conjunction with Rady Children’s Hospital. Scripps is one of only 15 proton treatment centers in the country and the first to treat patients exclusively with highly accurate pencil-beam scanning. Golden Door supports this local commitment to children’s health and is participating in the Scripps fundraiser on May 7, 2015.

This treatment is especially important for children’s brain and central nervous system tumors, where conventional radiation can have terrible side effects, said Kathy Van Ness, general manager and chief operating officer of Golden Door. Rady Children’s Hospital serves as the brain cancer referral center for the entire western United States, so their program, in conjunction with Scripps, helps thousands of children and young adults.

Donald B. Kearns, M.D., acting president of Rady Children’s Hospital – San Diego, says that proton therapy is particularly effective in brain tumors to help avoid learning disabilities, reduced IQ scores and other potential lifelong side effects. Proton therapy, which draws on decades of research and development, also can reduce the long-term likelihood of new tumors caused by initial radiation treatments.

Golden Door is honored to be a key partner in helping raise funds with this organization, which works to ensure that all children have the opportunity to pursue higher education. I Have a Dream Foundation sponsors an entire grade at an inner-city elementary school and stays with those students for more than 10 years. They provide after-school and summer programs, academic and cultural enrichment, counseling services, arts instruction, mentors and tutors. When a Dreamer graduates from high school, the Foundation can supplement other college or career-training scholarships with a last-dollar scholarship for uncovered expenses.

The long-term, comprehensive approach of ˜I Have a Dream’ Foundation equips children with the skills, knowledge and habits they need to succeed in higher education, in fulfilling careers and as productive citizens, said Kathy Van Ness, general manager and chief operating officer of Golden Door. Students have an opportunity to experience the world beyond their neighborhoods, to understand that anything is possible and then to work toward realizing their dreams.

Established in 1978, Casa de Amparo is recognized as a leader in treating and preventing child abuse and neglect in San Diego County and beyond, with locations in Oceanside and San Marcos. The non–profit organization annually serves over 525 Casa Kids, from prenatal to 24 years old, as well as 395 families, through three integrated programs that promote healing, growth, and healthy relationships. These programs include Residential Services, Family Visitation, & New Directions.

Casa de Amparo’s mission is to support those affected by and at risk of child abuse and neglect, through a range of programs and services that promote healing, growth, and healthy relationships.

Golden Door has been a key partner of Casa de Amparo in the fight against child abuse and neglect. Through Golden Door’s financial support, Casa de Amparo has been able to provide shelter, residential services, trauma-informed therapy services, and transportation for youth who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect.