A space created with care, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to supporting your family's emotional and everyday wellness.
"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." Corretta Scott King
How to Use This Family Resource Hub
Welcome to the Soul 2 Sol Family Resource Hub. We know that finding help can feel overwhelming, especially when life is busy or stressful. This hub is designed to make things easier. Each section offers simple explanations, practical tools, and trusted community resources to help you support your child, strengthen your family, and access the services you need.
You can explore at your own pace. Use the sections below to navigate crisis support, parenting tips, neurodivergent-affirming guidance, or local assistance programs. Whether you are looking for emotional wellness tools, sensory-friendly strategies, or basic needs support, we're here to walk with you. You are not alone — Soul 2 Sol Community Impact is honored to support your family's journey.
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, please reach out immediately.
Emergency & Crisis Services are available 24/7 in San Diego County. These numbers are especially helpful for families navigating stress, trauma, or urgent emotional needs.
Call 911 for emergencies, 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or 211 to connect with local health and human services. The San Diego Access & Crisis Line (ACL) -888-724-7240, Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 confidential crisis support in English & Spanish
The wellness tips in this hub are intended for general educational purposes and are not a substitute for professional counseling or medical advice. Families seeking personalized support should consult a licensed mental health professional.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and other ways of thinking and experiencing the world. At Soul 2 Sol, we celebrate neurodivergent children as creative, capable, and deeply valued members of our community. This section provides affirming guidance for families seeking clarity, support, information, and next steps.
Buddy Bear's Emotional Wellness Tips for Kids
Buddy Bear reminds every child: it is okay to feel big feelings. Take a slow breath, talk to a grown-up you trust, ask for a hug or a quiet moment, and remember — you are never alone. Your feelings matter, and you are always valued here.
Tips for Supporting Sensory Needs
Many children experience sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors. These strategies can help create comfort and reduce overwhelm:
- Create a calm, low-stimulation space your child can retreat to when overwhelmed.
- Offer sensory tools such as fidgets, weighted blankets, or noise-reducing headphones.
- Use visual schedules and predictable routines to reduce anxiety around transitions.
- Follow your child's lead — notice what soothes them and what heightens their stress.
- Collaborate with occupational therapists or school support teams for personalized strategies.
Trusted References: STAR Institute for Sensory Processing • Autism Society • CDC Developmental Disabilities Resources • Lingraphica AAC Resources
Neurodivergence Community Resources
autismspeaks.org
Provides resources for autism support, early diagnosis, therapies, and family services.
understood.org
Offers tools and support for families raising children with learning and attention differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.
Community Resource Links
The organizations below are organized by category to help you quickly find the support your family needs — from food assistance to mental health, education, and parenting guidance.
1. Food Assistance & Basic Needs
These resources help families locate food banks, housing assistance, and emergency services in their local community.
211.org
Families can enter their zip code to find food banks, shelters, childcare resources, and financial assistance.
California Department of Education Meal Sites List
The California Department of Education hosts a list of summer meal service sites in San Diego County that is updated every year.
- Site list can be filtered by school district, city/area, ZIP code, and more
- Some sites are by enrollment only
- Check with your child's school district for times and locations
California SUN Bucks: Summer-EBT
California’s Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, provides $120 per eligible child to help families buy food during the summer when school is out. Most eligible children get SUN Bucks automatically. Other families must apply for SUN Bucks benefits at their child's school. Getting and using SUN Bucks does not affect a family’s immigration status. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other food assistance programs, like CalFresh and Summer Meal Programs. For more information, visit the SUN Bucks website.
feedingamerica.org
A nationwide network of food banks that helps families locate nearby food distribution sites.
It is evident that more and more community members are struggling with the daily challenge of securing a means of feeding themselves and their families adequately. https://www.iambkcdc.org
- Faith-Based Crisis Response (Peace Team): De-escalation specialists and behavioral health professionals respond directly to community crises. Phone: (619) 825-3930
- Food & Nutritional Services: Assistance is available by appointment for individuals or families in need, as well as a program for homebound individuals.
2. Mental Health & Family Wellness
These organizations offer mental health support, counseling resources, and crisis help for children and families.
Estes Therapy: Located in San Diego, they offer Hispanic and Latinx therapists who provide bilingual, culturally sensitive care to help navigate family conflicts, identity, and generational trauma.
MANA de San Diego: A prominent Latina organization that empowers the community through mentorship programs, professional development, and educational advocacy, often connecting individuals to community wellness resources.
San Diego Community Connections for Black Mental Wellness
Email: ccbmw.sd@gmail.com
A mental wellness community comprised of mental health educators, counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and mental health advocates dedicated to bringing awareness and promoting the needs of the Black community.
The San Diego LGBT Community Center: Offers specialized Latin@x services, including Healing Rainbows and support groups for transgender and gender-expansive adults.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
samhsa.gov/find-help
Provides a national treatment locator for mental health and family support services.
nami.org
Offers education, family support groups, and mental health resources.
https://www.neighborhoodhouse.org NHA helps thousands of individuals and families improve their quality of life.
3. Education & Learning Support
These resources provide free educational tools, tutoring, and learning programs for children of all ages.
scholastic.com/parents
Offers educational resources, reading activities, and tools for parents to support learning at home.
4. Early Childhood Development
These programs support early childhood education, development milestones, and preschool readiness.
headstart.gov
Provides early education, health services, and family support programs for children ages 0–5.
zerotothree.org
A national nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development and parenting support for infants and toddlers.
5. Parenting Support & Family Guidance
These resources help families understand child development and provide guidance on positive parenting strategies.
cdc.gov/parents
Provides parenting guidance, developmental milestones, and family health resources.
childmind.org
Offers expert guidance on children's mental health, behavior, and learning challenges.
6. Child Safety & Digital Wellness
Keeping children safe — both online and at home — is one of the most important things a caregiver can do. The tips below offer simple, actionable guidance for building healthy digital habits and protecting children in online spaces.
Online Safety
- Use parental controls on devices and browsers
- Keep devices in shared household spaces
- Teach kids not to share personal information online
- Regularly review apps, games, and content
- Encourage open, judgment-free conversations about what they see online
Healthy Digital Habits
- Create tech-free times (meals, bedtime, homework)
- Balance screen time with outdoor play and reading
- Model healthy device use as a caregiver
- Teach kids to notice how screens affect their mood
- Encourage breaks every 30–45 minutes of screen time
7. Basic Needs Support Directory
If your family needs support with utilities, clothing, or baby supplies, the following San Diego–area resources are here to help.
Utility Assistance
- LIHEAP – Federal program offering energy bill support for qualifying families
- SDG&E Assistance Programs – Includes CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline rate discounts
- 211 San Diego – Connects families to utility and emergency financial assistance; dial 2-1-1
Clothing Closets
- Father Joe's Villages – Clothing and essential goods for families in need
- Salvation Army Family Stores – Affordable clothing and household items throughout San Diego
- Jewish Family Service San Diego – Culturally inclusive family support and clothing resources
- San Diego Rescue Mission – Emergency services including clothing for families
Diaper Banks & WIC
- San Diego Food Bank Diaper Bank – Free diapers for qualifying families
- Miracle Babies Diaper Distribution – Serving premature and medically fragile infants and their families
- WIC Program – Nutrition support, infant formula, and health referrals for women, infants, and children
- 211 San Diego Baby Supplies Directory – Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org to locate baby supply resources near you
Frequently Asked Questions
Helping you find the information you need to stay connected and informed.
References for Mental Health & Family Wellness Tips
- Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2018). The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child. Bantam Books.
- Greene, R. W. (2014). The Explosive Child. HarperCollins.
- National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2015). Supportive Relationships and Active Skill-Building Strengthen the Foundations of Resilience. Harvard University.
You Are Not Alone — We're Here to Help
Soul 2 Sol is honored to walk alongside your family. Whether you're looking to receive support, volunteer your time, or give back through a donation, there is a place for you in our community.
1-833-373-3897 • admin@soul2communityimpact.org
Facebook & Instagram: @Soul2SolAnnualToyDrive
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