Every Child in San Diego Deserves a Safe, Loving Home
“My journey toward healing began when I realized I wanted more than just survival—I wanted to be whole. That turning point led me to Olive Crest, where I was met with compassion and unwavering support. For the first time, I experienced unconditional love and belonging.
Since then, I’ve graduated high school, been baptized, and am now studying Social Work in college. My mission is to help other youth who have been sex trafficked, see that hope is real and that their past does not define their future.”
– Lily
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
- 1,500 safe visits to our drop-in center from 200 youth facing homelessness, hunger, and exploitation
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.
New Drop-In Center
San Diego Aims to be Refuge for Sex-Trafficked Teens.
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!”