Tag: The City Center

The City Center in Ventura, a bridge between homelessness and success for families with children, kicks off Year 2 of their GoFundMe Drive to own their own home

by Community Contributor • August 16, 2022 • Comments Off

The City Center’s Year 2 fundraising drive is about to kick off. They must continue raising funds for The City Center to purchase their own home. Historically, 53% of their monthly costs were for rent, so buying the converted motel in downtown Ventura has been a big priority. Board member and longtime supporter of The City Center, John Exell, said, “The City Center program has proven success – we have seven years of no program graduates returning to homelessness, a testament to our unique program. Our program is difficult, with many tough goals set, but we provide mentoring and counseling to help our residents become self-sufficient and thrive”.

Anonymous donor willing to provide up to $50,000 match funding to support local homeless families through The City Center

by Community Contributor • November 15, 2021 • Comments Off

The City Center announced today that they have received a $50,000 matching donation from an anonymous donor. This gift will match donations made to The City Center?now through?December?25th,?2021.? The City Center is asking Ventura County to support their work in helping local homeless families become self-sufficient.? “Many people complain about the problem with homelessness in our county, but now is the time to be proactive, to realize YOU can make a difference,” said Cheryl?Heitmann, former mayor of Ventura City, “Now is a particularly good time to support The City Center, as every $1 raised will be matched, up to $50,000, and don’t forget there are also tax benefits for donations before year-end.? Our community needs to push together to help?our?most vulnerable population.? No child should be homeless. Ever.”?

The City Center Difference: Promoting Growth and Success Among Residents

by Community Contributor • April 22, 2021 • Comments Off

Finding a way to ensure homeless families in need are given a chance to have success in life is a challenging task. The City Center however, has a 100 percent success rate at helping graduates rebuild their lives. Since 2014, 253 people have graduated from its program debt free with full-time employment and reliable transportation, representing 78 families who will never return to homelessness.

Led by Executive Director, Jim Duran, The City Center has worked to lift people out of homelessness or defeat with the help of its onsite staff, case managers, therapists, and mentors.

“It’s giving a hand up, rather than a handout,” said Duran. “Each family receives the help and guidance they need to find and hold jobs, leave all government support behind, and learn to care for themselves and their children.”

Aug. 17 — Celebrate Ventura County’s Nonprofits on National Nonprofit Day

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2021 • Comments Off

National Nonprofit Day is a day to celebrate our Ventura County nonprofits and give thanks for their immense contribution. While there are many nonprofits to celebrate, it is important to shine a light on those making a big difference to our Ventura County community.