Casa de Amparo kicked off the first full week of Child Abuse Prevention Month by hosting their 3^rd Annual Come Home to Casa event and received a $15,000 gift from Union Bank and the San Diego Chargers as the beneficiaries of the Game Changers Program. In honor of National Child Abuse Prevention month in April, Casa de Amparo is encouraging all individuals and organizations to play a role in making San Diego County a better place for children and families.

“The community’s participation is critical to protecting our children,” said Casa de Amparo Executive Director, Tamara Fleck-Myers, LMFT. “Focusing on ways to build and support children and families in our care goes a long way toward preventing child abuse and neglect while promoting optimal child development.”

Now in its third year, Come Home to Casa is an open house event where Casa de Amparo invites the community to visit the organization’s San Marcos campus and learn more about Casa de Amparo’s programs and facilities. At this year’s event, community members toured the 11.4 acre campus, signed the Casa Kid’s pledge wall, enjoyed refreshments, and participated in Come Home to Casa’s annual supply drive by donating Casa de Amparo wish list items.

Before the festivities began, Executive Director Tamara Fleck-Myers was invited down to Chargers Park to accept a $15,000 donation from the San Diego Chargers and Union Bank as the recipient of the 2015 Game Changers Program, which invites Chargers fans to donate their loose change and bills in support of Casa de Amparo at home games. Total donations were matched by the Union Bank Foundation and the San Diego Chargers resulting in a $15,000 donation. After its third consecutive year, the Game Changers Program has contributed more than $45,000 to non-profits in the San Diego region.

“Casa de Amparo is thankful to the San Diego Chargers and Union Bank for supporting our mission through the Game Changers campaign,” said Fleck-Myers. “Every dollar donated makes a huge difference in our initiatives to protect and ensure the safety of children and end generational cycles of abuse. With their support, our goal is to create a community where child abuse and neglect are not tolerated, and families can thrive.”

Community members who would like to play a meaningful role in preventing and treating child abuse and neglect can contact Kathy Karpé, Director of Development at (760) 754-5500 or kkarpe@casadeamparo.org.

Casa de Amparo Check Presentation, photographed from left to right: Union Bank Regional President Robbin Narike-Preciado, Casa de Amparo Executive Director Tamara Fleck-Myers, San Diego Chargers Defensive Tackle Corey Liuget

Volunteer Cindy Arms leads a tour of the Casa Kids Campus during the Come Home to Casa event

Volunteer Jane McGuire gathers donated wish list items during the Come Home to Casa event