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Article contributed by Rosey Justine
Exclusively for Lifeline Community Services

Despite what TV ads and seasonal movies might suggest, many people tend to feel a bit down during the holidays. Interestingly, studies have shown that the holiday tradition of sharing cheer might be the solution. Helping others makes people feel more confident, and increases their sense of self-worth. This in turn boosts confidence, and can in many cases create a cycle of generosity that benefits more people.

The holidays provide an excellent opportunity to do exactly that, particularly during challenging times. The pandemic exasperated the situation of many disadvantaged communities, making intervention programs more important than ever. And in times of difficulty, people learn to help each other, which is why this is the perfect opportunity to give back.

The North County Community

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In 2018, one out of ten people living in North County were living below the federal poverty level. 10% of the population struggles to afford basic needs like room, clothing, and transportation, with youth being among the most affected.

Today, North County alone reports more than 1,500 homeless individuals. It's also inside one of the areas with the highest rate of sex trafficking in the country. On top battling financial insecurity, many individuals are at an increased risk for human trafficking. Fortunately, different efforts have emerged to combat these issues.

How Lifeline Community Services Serves the Community

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Lifeline Community Services approaches these complex issues by focusing on both prevention and intervention. Our programs build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families through community-based services. Lifeline’s five areas of services include: Behavioral Health, Child Abuse & Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention, Housing & Self-Sufficiency, Human Trafficking Prevention & Intervention, and Youth Development. Each area of service helps provide individuals with the tools they need to become self-reliant. Last year along, Lifeline served over 4,255 individuals across San Diego County.

Providing long-term solutions to complex issues also requires adequately equipped professionals. Formal education and training in social work and advocacy, for example, allow people to learn the necessary skills to build resilient communities. This is something of particular importance when working with people facing trauma, domestic abuse, and human trafficking.

How You Can Give Back

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There are many ways to help others through Lifeline Community Services. This year, Lifeline is offering several unique ways to give including: Crypto Donations, Adopt-A-Family Gift Card Donations, Celebratory Gifts, Monthly Giving, Vehicle Donations, and Stock Donations. Employer matching is another great way to maximize any gift to Lifeline. These gifts support youth and families who may be experiencing homelessness, human trafficking, domestic violence, or food insecurity this holiday.
 
Lifeline is one of the first 10 non-profits in San Diego County offering crypto giving for our donors this year, so take advantage of this unique way to give back this season.

Everybody Wins

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Helping others is a mutually beneficial activity. It has measurable results in society and reinforces individual self-worth and empathy. It also reduces the feeling of loneliness and strengthens people's connection to their community.

Prevention and intervention programs are only as good as their teams though. People with a deep understanding of the community, and well-trained in their field, are necessary to provide effective support. This union between short-term and long-term solutions is what allows programs like Lifeline Community Services to achieve such consistent and long-lasting success. We couldn't do our work without your support - Thank you!
Give today, and help us continue building self-reliance among youth, adults, and families across San Diego County!
 
 
Article contributed by Rosey Justine
Exclusively for Lifeline Community Services