Resources for Parents and Children

San Diego Child Support is here to help!
We've collected resources to help you with life’s changes and foster
H.O.P.E. in any challenges you might face.
Some of these resources are specific for parents who are incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and for your other family members.
Call us at 858-650-5330 and leave a message any time. Email us at jipc@sdcounty.ca.gov
One Safe Place for hope, healing and justice.
Free support services all under one roof to anyone who has experienced child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, hate crime, elder abuse, human trafficking, violent loss, family violence, or other abuse or victimization.
Basic Needs
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Heaven’s
Windows
Free food on a first-come, first-serve basis
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Presbyterian Urban Ministries
Emergency food -
Salvation Army Centers in San Diego
Free food, limited financial help for bills (including rent or utilities), shelter, and more
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Catholic Charities Assistance Programs
Food assistance, employment leads, and more
- San Diego Hunger Coalition
COVID-19 Meals for Kids
All children and youth, ages 18 and younger, can receive school meals for free through June 30, 2022!
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Feeding San Diego
(USE map finder based on your location)
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Meals
for Kids
Meals for kids when schools are closed
(USE map finder based on your location)
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San
Diego Food Bank
(SEE Super Pantry Program monthly for closest location to you)
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SDG&E Customer Service
4949 Greencraig LN BLDG B, San Diego, CA 92123
800-411-7343
Payment arrangements made for clients dealing with financial hardships due to COVID-19 -
SDG&E
(CARE and FERA discounts)
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United Way
Helping low wage earners to help pay utility bills, rent and possible mortgage payments
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YMCA
3333 Camino Del Rio S Suite 400
San Diego, 92108
619-952-0242
Currently offering enhanced referral services.
Employment Assistance
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provide immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services exclusively to individuals who have recently returned home from incarceration.
303 A St., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101
619-684-4810
Metro Community Ministries Inc. (MCMI)
Founded in 1966 with the purpose of reaching marginalized communities in the downtown region of San Diego County.
PO Box 2423, El Cajon, CA 92021
Email: referral@metrocommunityministries.org
California Department of Rehabilitation
To be eligible for services, an individual must have a physical or mental impairment, or require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment.
For more information please contact:
San Diego District
Branch
7575 Metropolitan Dr. Ste 107, San Diego, CA 92108
619-767-2100
www.dor.ca.gov
San Diego Workforce Partnership
Involved in the justice system? SDWP wants to help you land a job with their post-release employment services including job coaching and vocational training opportunities.
Contact information:
reentryworks@workforce.org
619-228-2979
Need a job? Go-Staff can help you find jobs in construction, housekeeping, warehouse, and driving jobs.
8798 Complex Dr., San Diego, CA 92123
858-292-8562
Call
to set up an interview or apply online at www.go-staff.com.
Walk-ins are welcome!
Recently released? Looking for a job? Second Chance can help with employment placement assistance, resume writing, mock interviews, job training, and more.
Contact Scott Taylor, P2E/BSC
619-839-0960
Email: staylor@secondchanceprogram.org
6145
Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
North County Lifeline Warm Hand-Off (WHO) Program
Assisting adults in San Diego County who were formerly incarcerated in a California State Prison.
Contact information:
Intake Line: 760-842-6219
Email:
warmhandoff@nclifeline.org
NOW Hiring throughout the County
Goodwill Career Advisors are ready to help you online or in person. They offer FREE workshops for all San Diego County residents. They can help you find your next job or prepare you for the career you have always wanted. Click here for more information.
ResourceMFG is the first and the largest national staffing company to specialize in manufacturing. They are dedicated to getting good people good jobs. Check out the current job listings.
Select is one of the leading staffing agencies and part of The EmployBridge family of supply chain workforce solutions - the nation's largest industrial staffing company. Check out the current job listings.
High School Diploma and Career Certificate Programs
![]() | Did you know that the average high school graduate earns 31% more than their peers that did not have a chance to finish high school? Need help getting a high school diploma and career certificate? Child Support and San Diego County Library have partnered to make this possible, online, at no cost! Don't have internet or a computer? Computers with internet services are available to use at your local library and child support office. |
![]() | To learn more, contact us via text at 619-637-9860 or by email at DCSSHighSchoolProgram@sdcounty.ca.gov. Also, visit the San Diego County Library website. |
Education - Connections to College
A program for students impacted by the criminal justice system.
California State University San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley
Rd., San Marcos, CA 92096
Email: projectrebound@csusm.edu
760-750-4016
The Transitions Program builds bridges for currently and formerly incarcerated people to come to Palomar College and earn the kinds of degrees and certificates that build brighter futures — and keep people out of jail for good.
If you are interested, contact:
Dr. Nora Kenney
510-816-6672
Email: nkenneywhitley@palomar.edu
1140 West Mission Road, San Marcos, California 92069
www.palomar.edu/transitionsprogram
Southwestern College Restorative Justice Program
SWC is committed in helping you learn the skills needed to enter back into society & most importantly get a job!
Contact information:
Email: swcrestorativejustice@swccd.edu
619-421-6700 ext 5658
Patrice Milkovich and Raquel Funches
Emotional Support
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Access
and Crisis Hotline
888-724-7240
Emotional support for those affected by COVID-19
- Domestic Violence Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-SAFE (7233)
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Jewish Family
Service
Jewish Family Service is hosting a series of free virtual Community Conversations to help San Diegans meet the many challenges of coping with the coronavirus pandemic.
858-637-3210
Parenting Resources
SAY
programs serve the whole child from pre-natal to
adulthood
with programs that emphasize prevention,
early intervention, and
positive development.
First 5 San Diego promotes the health and well-being of young children during their most critical years of development, from the prenatal stage through five years of age. Our goal is to help ensure that every child in San Diego County enters school ready to succeed.
Daycare and School-Readiness Resources
Head Start programs promote the school readiness of infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children from low-income families. Click here to find Head Start programs and resources near you!
The YMCA of San Diego is committed to supporting families in their search for quality, affordable and convenient child care options. Click here to learn more and find child care resources near you.
US Department of Homeland Security created the Blue Campaign and has resources regarding human trafficking. Click here for more info
Saving for College
Parents Invest in Education (PIE)

Saving for college can be a challenge for anyone; especially, when considering the rising cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board.
Did you know that children with just $1-$499 in college savings are three times more likely to attend college and four times more likely to graduate?
Start planning for your child's future educational goals now!

Contact your DCSS caseworker to see if you qualify for the Parents Invest in Education (PIE) Program today, or fill out and submit the P.I.E. Interest Form.
Visit the ScholarShare529 website, call us and ask about the Parents Invest in Education (PIE) program today at 866-901-3212, or email us at _DCSSPIE@sdcounty.ca.gov
ARCAID: Self-Service Community Resources Tool (for use by parents on parole or probation)