Every Child in San Diego Deserves a Safe, Loving Home
“If you asked me at age 12, I’d have said it felt like the end of the world,” says Seth, an Olive Crest graduate. “One day my family was there, the next, they were gone.”
But Seth’s story didn’t end in crisis. At Olive Crest, he found a safe, loving home – and a community that believed in him. Today’s he’s working as a phlebotomist and pursuing his nursing degree to help others heal.
“I owe it all to Olive Crest. You all mean the world to me.” – Seth
The Need in San Diego
Right now, in our own backyard:
- Over 1,250 children are in the child welfare system
- 39,000+ incidents are called into the San Diego Child Abuse hotline annually
- San Diego ranks among the worst cities in the U.S. for child exploitation
When children age out of the child welfare system without a community of support:
Over $8 billion – every year – for each group of youth aging out of the child welfare system without family or support. But when we intervene early? We not only change lives – we reduce long-term costs and rewrite futures for generations to come.
Our Mission: Strengthening, Equipping, and Restoring Lives. One Life at a Time®
At Olive Crest, we provide safe, loving homes for children in crisis – while strengthening families, preventing abuse, and restoring hope. Last year alone, we impacted over 800 lives in San Diego County, including children, parents, Olive Crest families, and volunteers.
The Impact:
Last year – with the help from hundreds of community members like you – we provided:
- 10,545 safe nights for children in crisis
- 299 hostings for children facing unsafe situations such as homelessness, domestic violence, or tragedy
- 49 loving foster care placements
Together, we are breaking generational cycles of abuse and giving children a future filled with hope.
How You Can Help
Champion – Give Support to Safe Nights
Your investments provide hope in times of crisis. Give to prevent and restore children experiencing abuse, neglect, and even sexual exploitation:
- $300 provides one safe night
- $1,250 supports one hosting (1-90 days, avg. 4)
- $5,000 underwrites stable, long-term foster care and support
- $10,000+ champions children to overcome cycles of abuse and trauma
IN THE NEWS: HOPE IN ACTION
Strike Out Child Abuse with Padres All-Star Jason Adam
Jason Adam and his wife Kelsey are teaming up with Olive Crest for the Strike Out Child Abuse campaign. For every strikeout he pitches, Jason sponsors one hosting – $1,250 per child.
Watch Lily’s Story
From trauma to triumph – see how one young woman found healing and purpose through Olive Crest.
Looking for San Diego news or events? Click below to view the latest!
Leadership
Kerri Dunkelberger
Executive Director
“Olive Crest’s values of Truth, Grace and Servanthood are a perfect challenge for how I choose to lead and who I care to become. The families, staff and volunteers of Olive Crest are inspiring in their tireless work to heal and transform lives. It is a privilege to be a part of offering hope!”