Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Blankenship.
Leah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In 1990 my husband was killed in industrial accident. I had two small children that I needed to provide for. I myself grew up with my mom being a widower and I saw how hard it was for her. She never complained and always stretched her dollars to care for us.
I made a promise that if there would be resources that allowed me to take care of my own children financially and otherwise I would reach out to other children and help those not as fortunate as well.
Those provisions came in and my heart was not only relieved and thankful but my resolution then took form through my organization .today we have helped conservatively hundreds of children who sleep in cars, motels, the streets and shelters throughout San Diego.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Always nonprofits depend on the generosity of others. The overall economy plays a role as well as the other needs within the community that needs funds like we do. That is our number one challenge.
Also, as time goes on the children’s needs have become more intense as in many cases, kids of all backgrounds are now introduced to major stumbling blocks much earlier, making our job of intervention most essential while still dealing with the kids who already find themselves in bad situations.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Care House story. Tell us more about the business.
Our organization assists in filling the gaps in the lead bed of house-less and at-risk youth. We find ways to make their lives more normal offering hope beyond their four walls of need. We pride ourselves on the fact that our kids within a short time consider us not just another organization but part of their extended family. We do not process them out, at times working with them from grammar school all the way through graduation.
Our reputation for consistency and faithfulness to our children and our presence in the community are what we are most proud of and our relationship after the children have become adults and return back to pay it forward is some of our greatest memories.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
As an organization which is faith-based, we do not rely on luck, bad or good. We put our revolve in to remain faithful to our vision of making our children’s lives brighter and more hopeful is what we stay focused on. Breaking the cycle of homelessness, incarceration and drug abuse takes faith and strength from all those who choose to team up with our family of sorts.
Contact Info:
- Address: P.O Box 336 Bonita Ca 91908
- Website: Carehousekids.org
- Phone: 6198895968
- Email: blankenship1007@gmail
- Instagram: Carehousesd
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
