Nancy Gannon Hornberger, Chief Executive Officer, SAY San Diego

Parents and families are the first and most important people in a child’s life. Even in the best circumstances, raising children and growing up are complicated. So when families face personal, social and economic challenges, attending to their children’s basic needs, connecting to their children’s schools, and building a nurturing environment at home may be difficult. Such challenges may cause adverse experiences and trauma. When children experience adverse childhood experiences and adverse community conditions (sometimes referred to as "paired ACEs") it impedes lifetime health and well-being. 

At SAY San Diego, to make the greatest positive impact in the lives of children and youth, we also invest in the whole family and community. We strive to prevent and reduce paired ACEs and heal trauma. Since 1971, we have used this comprehensive approach to advance opportunity, equity and well-being, in partnership with the county, city, state and federal government, local schools, law enforcement, community partners, foundations, and many others. SAY is honored to be a leader in family strengthening with programs that include early childhood centers; before and after school enrichment;  First 5 First Steps home visiting; Dads Corps, offering unique support to fathers; Project KEEP for kinship caregivers and resource families, and Community Services for Families.  

Just as plants thrive best in gardens with quality soil, sunlight and fresh water, children and families thrive best when well rooted and nurtured in strong communities that empower and engage them to Build Better Health, Live Safely and Thrive. Please join us in reading this month’s Live Well San Diego Newsletter, which highlights vibrant organizations throughout the county who are strengthening families through their programs and activities.