SAN DIEGO–District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis in conjunction with community partners from southeast San Diego and county and city dignitaries announced today the opening of the Community Action Resource Engagement Center (CARE) in National City.
The CARE center is a product of community collaboration aimed at preventing crime and improving the quality of life of individuals living in Southeast San Diego. Over the last 12 years, the DA’s Office has focused on issues related to crime prevention, community intervention, and prisoner reentry. The CARE Center is an outgrowth of that commitment.
“Law enforcement needs to address the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior such as, poverty, lack of educational opportunities, substance abuse, mental health treatment, and other socioeconomic factors,” DA Dumanis said. “This new CARE Center is bringing a variety of resources directly to the residents who need them and eases the inconvenience of traveling out of the area for assistance.”
Through the CARE Community Center, The DA’s Office and its partners will work to:
- Prevent crime and provide intervention using programs with a proven track record
- Connect with the community to improve public safety
- Increase open communication and relationships with the community and its leaders
- Improve the community’s confidence and trust in law enforcement through access
- Develop formal partnerships with community organizations
“This center was designed with the community’s needs in mind and that’s because we truly listened to residents of this community and they planned this center and the services it offers,” said County Supervisor Greg Cox, who represents the community being served by the center.
Youth Advisory Board (YAB) – Activities for Lincoln High School students will include mentoring, referrals to service providers, assistance with homework and school projects, use of a computer lab and more. The satellite office will provide a safe space for afterschool activities.
Girls Only! – Provides gender-responsive counseling and resources for girls in need. In addition, girls and families members in need will be referred to service providers.
Community Youth Court (CYC) – Youth diverted from the court system will participate in activities such as the Community Youth Court Panel Sessions, assessments, program referrals, case planning, classes, training and workshops.
Inter-Faith Advisory Board – Members will partake in monthly meetings, community forums, workshops and trainings to develop solution-oriented initiatives to address public safety issues.
Reentry – Formerly incarcerated individuals returning to San Diego County will have access to assessments to determine what services they need, program referrals, training, workshops and community meetings.
AmeriCorps VISTA Veteran Empowerment Program – Veterans recently discharged from the military and those released from incarceration can obtain assistance with assessments, case planning, referrals for employment, substance abuse, food stamps or veterans’ benefits and they will have access to a computer lab. Partners include the Veterans Administration, San Diego Veterans Coalition and 2-1-1 Courage to Call.
In addition, the community at large will have access to meeting space for training, workshops or community forums.
“The CARE Community Center will provide many one-stop services to our area residents,” said National City Mayor Ron Morrison. “It’s awesome to see the District Attorney’s Office meeting the needs where the needs need to be met.”
The Probation Department, which will have a presence at the center, is committed to building community connections.
“The San Diego County Probation Department is proud to support the CARE Center in Southeast San Diego,” said Chief Probation Officer Adolfo Gonzales. “The center, a vision of San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, will enhance public safety through community engagement and links to resources. The Probation Department looks forward to working with CARE staff to support their mission to build community partnerships.”
