From Russia to Casa Pacifica, Hear Dmitry’s Story

Dmitry came to Casa Pacifica at age 16. Adopted from a Russian orphanage at age eight along with his half-sister, Dmitry’s parents brought him to San Bernardino where they lived.

 
“When I turned 18, I was able to move to Stepping Stones. (Casa Pacifica’s program for youth ages 18 to 21). I liked it there, I had a lot of freedom – but it was too quick. I never took it seriously. I had so many chances at Casa Pacifica, but eventually they had to let me go. I left Stepping Stones and headed to Victorville to live with my sister.” After getting his high school diploma, Dmitry joined the California Conservation Corps, but old habits die hard. “I got in a fight with another kid and was asked to leave.”

 Success looks different for each of our kids – for some it’s getting their high school diploma, for some it’s holding a steady job, for others it’s staying out of jail. Everyone has low points in their life and our kids are no exception, but if they’re willing to put in the work we’re always willing to help – and so proud to watch them grow, change, and succeed.
 

Will you join me and show these kids they have a place in this world, a place with people who care about them and their future?Sincerely,

 
 Steven Elson, Ph.D.
CEO, Casa Pacifica

P.S. Your year-end tax-deductible gift will make a difference in a young person’s life – young people who don’t have things we often take for granted, even basic things like a home.