Healing and Hope. How Kids First Empowers Families Through Support & Collaboration

This episode has a special space in our catalog as Kids First was the very first non profit to have been recorded back during the pandemic. Since that first episode was all about the virtual event, it seemed only fair to bring it up do date to help get the story told of all they do for the community. Listen in as I speak with Debbie Gabelich, CEO, as we explore the comprehensive services offered by Kids First, a family resource center dedicated to supporting families through counseling, assistance with essentials, and specialized support for children affected by sex trafficking. Debbie shares the necessary collaborative efforts with other organizations, detailing the impressive outreach of a 35-person team serving thousands, and the innovation needed to maintain connections with the community in a post-pandemic landscape.Hear firsthand about the pressing issues facing the working poor in areas like Placer County, where skyrocketing living costs create heart-wrenching choices between rent, food, and childcare. We delve into the mental health crisis that these financial strains exacerbate, discussing the rise in abuse cases and the complexities involved in providing therapy to those without a stable living situation. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, illustrating how crucial it is to really listen to those we're striving to help and the assistance programs designed to alleviate some of this burden.We close with a powerful success story of a young girl who overcame the trauma of sex trafficking to build a life for herself and her child, thanks to the unwavering support of her case manager and the resources provided by Kids First. We highlight the organization's commitment to empowerment and self-sustainability, and the importance of diverse funding sources and community partnerships. If you're drawn to issues surrounding child welfare and want to learn how leadership and community engagement drive nonprofit success, this episode is an inspiring call to action.For more information on Kids First, visit www.kidsfirstnow.orgYou can call 916-774-6802To reach Debbie directly by email: dgabelich@kidsfirstnow.orgSpecial thanks to our three “Founding” sponsors for helping to support a weekly cadence of the program. Please give them consideration if you should have a need in their area of expertise. They are:CAPTRUST: Fiduciary advice for endowments and foundations.www.captrust.com/sacramentoRSE, Inc: Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations www.RS-E.comWestern Health Advantage: Providing a health plan for you. www.westernhealth.com