Apr 13, 2023

Leadership Update - CEO to Retire

Dear Friends, I am writing today to share some personal news. After 16 dedicated years of serving as CEO, I have decided to retire from Lifeline at the end of this year, December 31, 2023. Over the past decade at least, I have worked closely with many of you in furthering our mission to build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families through high-quality, community-based services. And I want to thank you for your support. I have seen this organization serve those most in need, grow to reach more and more in North County and beyond, and be responsive to the changing needs of the community. This year is also a milestone year for Lifeline, as we arecelebrating 50 years of impact in serving the local community.I look forward to seeing Lifeline continue to make an even greater impact throughout San Diego County over the next 50 years as well. I made the decision to retire from Lifeline for a few reasons. During 2022, I dealt with a series of health challenges that have now all been resolved. However, this brought into crisp focus for me that after working for 39 years in the nonprofit sector (35 here in San Diego), I have earned the opportunity to rest, prioritize my health, and enjoy more travel in retirement. Lifeline's Board of Directors has been proactive and thoughtful about my announcement, and they have already begun the process to recruit a new CEO with a focused interest in a new leader who has local and regional experience with both government contracts and philanthropy. They are looking for someone who has the energy and drive to continue the excellent work of this organization, to help it continue to grow, and to meet new opportunities as yet known to us. We aim to announce a candidate for CEO in the Fall of 2023. I have always accepted and worked with change – because it is inevitable – but also because there is always great opportunity hidden within it. If you have any questions or want to connect, feel free to reach out. As we look forward, we must also reflect back and acknowledge our success. To that end, Lifeline will be hosting its50th Anniversary Celebration event on Saturday, October 21st at The Seabird Resort.They will be saying a few words about my retirement and tenure, and celebrating Lifeline's impact over the past 50 years. I would love you to be a part of it in some capacity. Thank you for your friendship, collaboration, and support! Onward! Don Stump, CEO

Mar 30, 2023

File Your Taxes for Free

Want to file your taxes for free and get the most out of this tax season. Lifeline can help! Find out if you are eligible for free tax filing assistance and credits that give you more money back. Lifeline is a proud member of the San Diego County EITC Coalition, which is committed to helping San Diego families file their taxes and maximize their refunds. Visit https://lifelinecs.org/blogs/free-online-scheduling-for-tax-assistance to schedule a free appointment through Lifeline and get the most out of your taxes this year. Lifeline is offering free tax assistance for any members of the community that meet the below criteria. Easy online scheduling is available by visiting: go.oncehub.com/NorthCountyLifeline Or you can call 2-1-1 for more information. Appointments are only opened 3 weeks in advance so please check back regularly if no appointments are currently available. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Mar 06, 2023

Honoree for SDBJ's Top 50 Black Leaders of Influence 2023

Lifeline Board MemberDr. Darjené Graham-Perez Nominated for SDBJ Top 50 Black Leaders of Influence 2023 Dr. Darjené Graham-Perez is Director of People & Culture at Walden Family Services. She is responsible for leading and developing all diversity, equity and inclusion programs, initiatives, people (HR) operation functions, and strategic planning with the C-suite executives. She is also recognized as an expert in the fi eld of early childhood education and educational leadership. Throughout her time in early childhood administration, she found her love and passion for the DE&I space exclusively, which propelled her for her new endeavor into human resources with an emphasis on transforming diversity and inclusion initiatives within nonprofi t organizations. Graham-Perez is the fi rst African American woman to serve on MAAC’s Board of Directors and is currently the Chair of the Child Development Committee. In March 2022, she joined Lifeline Community Services (formerly North County Lifeline) Board of Directors and Giving 365 Board of Directors. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. https://images.sdbj.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Top-50-Black-Leaders-2-27-23.pdf

Feb 14, 2023

Free Online Scheduling for Tax Assistance

Lifeline is offering free tax assistance for any members of the community that meet the below criteria. Easy online scheduling is available by visiting: go.oncehub.com/NorthCountyLifeline Appointments are only opened 3 weeks in advance so please check back regularly if no appointments are currently available. BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY Schedule an Appointment Criteria: Income of less than $60,000 No sales, inheritance, or other taxable event related to virtual currency (IE. Bitcoin) No rental property (unless also Military) Less than $10,300 in investment income Cannot file for filing status "married filing separate" For self-employed individuals, must have made at least $1 profit, after write-offs. Note: VITA can only include mileage (not actual vehicle expenses) and cannot include depreciation or business use of home. Other restrictions may apply.

Feb 02, 2023

Need help with Taxes? Lifeline can Help!

Did you know Lifeline is offeringfree tax assistance for families in need? Make the most out of tax season, and get professional help. Those making $60,000 or less may qualify. Easy online scheduling is available by visiting: go.oncehub.com/NorthCountyLifeline Appointments are only opened 3 weeks in advance so please check back regularly if no appointments are currently available. Criteria: Income of less than $60,000 No sales, inheritance, or other taxable event related to virtual currency (IE. Bitcoin) No rental property (unless also Military) Less than $10,300 in investment income Cannot file for filing status "married filing separate" For self-employed individuals, must have made at least $1 profit, after write-offs. Note: VITA can only include mileage (not actual vehicle expenses) and cannot include depreciation or business use of home. Other restrictions may apply.

Jan 24, 2023

A Letter from our CEO: New Name, Same Mission

Dear Friends, As we welcome in a new year, Lifeline has some exciting news to share and we wanted you to be among the first to know. Lifeline is pleased to announce that we are acknowledging our community-based approach and our San Diego-wide impact by updating our name to “Lifeline Community Services” in 2023! Lifeline is a regional service provider embedded in the community and has expanded to the San Diego county area over the last five years. We are excited to reflect Lifeline’s regional services through our updated organizational name. Incorporated in 1973, Lifeline was founded by local community volunteers passionate about making a difference in the lives of youth and providing services in areas where gaps in resources exist. We continue offering programs and services to meet our community’s ever-changing needs. This year, Lifeline will also be celebrating 50 years of serving the community culminating in a celebration event on October 21, 2023. Stay tuned for details coming soon. Lifeline has a new name, and a new year full of celebration, but our mission remains the same. Together, alongside our stakeholders, partners, and donors, we are building self-reliance among youth, adults, and families across San Diego County. Thank you for your continued support. We wish you a very bright new year! Sincerely, Don Stump, CEO

Jan 03, 2023

2022 Adopt-A-Family Impact Report

We want to express our gratitude for your continued support of our annual Adopt-A-Family program. YOU made another magical holiday season possible for hundreds of Lifeline families. While 2022 felt "normal again," in many other ways it continued to be challenging for our clients and community. We are grateful for the Adopt-A-Family program's ability to help meet critical needs for families this past holiday season and wanted to share some highlights made possible by you. Thank you for your participation! We look forward to partnering with you again next year, Adopt-A-Family kicks off in October 2023. "Thank you!! This Christmas I had no idea how I was going to afford gifts for my kids, this means so much to me. A million times Thank you!" -Georgia, AAF Recipient

Sep 01, 2022

Lifeline Supports San Diego Gives

What if we all gave on one day? We can! Lifeline is participating in San Diego Gives on September 8. This is a single day of philanthropy designed to create a special day of giving across San Diego County, build a community resource for local nonprofit organizations, and connect people to the causes they care about most. Over 300 local nonprofits are part of this effort and we are happy to announce that Lifeline is one! We all know how important it is to eat local and shop locally. Now, join the movement to GIVE local. Download the Donor Info Sheet HERE We are asking for YOUR help in making this a successful effort for Lifeline. We have set a goal of raising $1,000 and our page is live!

Aug 18, 2022

Juan's Story

Juan is a 50 year old male and survivor of labor trafficking. Juan was trafficked outside of the states since he was a preteen and throughout majority of his adulthood. Late 2021 Juan migrated to America, homeless, in need of employment, medical insurance and immigration resources. Juan reached out to Project Life intake line seeking assistance. Juan expressed a desire to heal from the trauma and become his best self. Juan worked with his case manager to find Transitional Housing, employment, advance his coping skills and further his education. The client is building a support system and leans on them when he is having a difficult time, his brother being his main support. Since engaging in services Juan is actively meeting all immigration and legal needs, he has completed a course to certify him in area of work interest, began employment full time and maintained stable housing.

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