Chicks in Crisis

Reviewed by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation

$26,921 raised by 102 donors

54% complete

$50,000 Goal

Chicks in Crisis (CiC), founded 27 years ago, is on a mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of infants and children in the Sacramento region. Our focus is on reducing instances of abandonment, foster care, abuse, and even death by empowering parents with responsible parenting skills.  We believe in creating loving homes where children can thrive.

Today, Chicks in Crisis serves over 500 clients monthly, primarily in South Sacramento and Elk Grove, operating as a crucial pregnancy and parenting resource center.  With a strong commitment to education and family well-being, we strive to support parents in achieving self-sufficiency.

Our primary goal is to keep moms and dads in school, whether it's high school, college, or trade school, enabling them to secure well-paying jobs and break free from reliance on public assistance. As long as our clients remain in school, we provide them with essential items for their children under 5 every 30 days, including diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and hygiene products.

By offering approximately $250-$300 worth of these items each month, we alleviate the financial strain on families and focus on aiding those who are actively working towards a better future for themselves and their children.

In addition to our educational support, we extend our outreach through the "Racing for Babies" program. Our mobile unit hits the streets 3-4 times a week, reaching out to the underprivileged and disadvantaged communities. Through this program, we provide diapers, wipes, hygiene products, and various other necessities, ensuring that no family is left unsupported.

Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of these families, helping us continue our vital mission. Join us in creating a community where every child grows up surrounded by love, support, and opportunity. 

A testimony from a past client - Jazmin's Story

I first began receiving assistance through Chicks in Crisis in January of 2020 - I was welcomed with open arms and was never questioned or judged by my living and financial circumstances at the time. I remember going home after my very first visit with a trunk full of basic needs and some surprise gifts - diapers, wipes, formula, bags of used clothing, small used toys, books, and hygiene equipment - in quantities that I would have never imagined being able to acquire on my own at that time. As a student, I was eligible to receive assistance every 30 days until the date of my graduation. In addition to the support with basic needs, staff would regularly check in with me by phone in between appointments to ensure my own physical and mental safety and well-being and offered referrals to additional government services that allowed me to continue to support my family.

Receiving the level of support that I did as a struggling first-time mom and low-income student, especially once COVID-19 hit, allowed me to continue pursuing my education and enter into my first career as a science teacher and second career in technical support without quitting school or further delaying my path to a teaching credential. I was no longer forced to choose between groceries versus purchasing diapers or which credit card had the least amount of debt when my WIC/SNAP benefits were used up for the month. I was able to comfortably dress my son in appropriate size clothing rather than squeezing him into clothing that was too small because I could not afford to buy a new set of clothes for him and do laundry multiple times a day. I was also able to give my son birthday and holiday gifts and utilize safety equipment through donors of Chicks in Crisis who regularly donate used clothing, kids toys, furniture, bedding, toileting equipment, etc. I was also relieved of the burden of having to spend money on my own hygiene needs (in addition to my child’s needs) through the generous help of Chicks in Crisis providing basic hygiene needs for moms and dads as well as their children. Additionally, I was able to pursue my dream of receiving a Master’s degree while supporting my son as I was gradually able to support my family financially on my own, and the support staff graciously celebrated my accomplishments through sponsorship of special invitations to events as a “star client”. Most importantly, my son was able to grow healthy and happy with two healthy parents under one roof.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff at Chicks in Crisis and all of the generous donors who have helped support this organization and allowed many young parents to stay in school to launch their careers to support their families. It is with the assistance of donors and community members that have allowed Chicks in Crisis to grow and help many more families over the years, and I am now proud to be a donor myself and give back to the organization and support the families currently in need of assistance. Thank you very much in advance for your time and consideration in investing in young families and their futures.

Giving Activity

Mission

From its humble beginnings as a passion project focused on supporting teen moms and women in crisis, Chicks in Crisis (CiC) has evolved into a vital pregnancy and parenting resource center that extends its services to moms, dads, children, and birth mothers, embracing a mission to empower ALL families to reach their goals. Nestled on a serene 2.5-acre ranch in Elk Grove, CA, CiC serves as a dynamic oasis, providing crucial assistance and fostering a peaceful environment for those navigating the journey of parenting while pursuing education.

Our commitment is clear: support is provided every 30 days to parents enrolled in school, including diapers, wipes, formula, hygiene products, and clothing, contingent upon maintaining family size and refraining from subsequent births during the assistance period. Education is the cornerstone of our approach, and we believe it holds the key to unlocking opportunities for families.

At CiC, we aspire to see our clients cross the finish line towards self-sufficiency. Our ultimate goal is for them to graduate high school and progress to complete college or a trade school, transforming into responsible, self-sufficient parents who can cultivate a healthy, happy environment for their children. By contributing to CiC, you are investing in a vision where families thrive independently, breaking free from external assistance and creating a legacy of empowered parenting. Join us in supporting the journey of these families as they navigate towards a brighter and more promising future.

Needs

Diapers, wipes, and formula - a lifeline for young parents, alleviating pressure to leave school to earn money.

New and gently used children's clothing - size Newborn to children's 7/8.

Assistance with tending our Healing Garden, large vegetable garden, the clothes closet and maintenance at The Ranch (during Spring and Summer.)

Volunteer nurses/doulas to provide health care and support for at-risk pregnant moms and help with community pop-ups and outreach efforts.

Trauma counseling for women and girls in crisis.

Equity Statement

Our mission statement is "helping families cross the finish line" and our overall goal is to keep kids out of foster care and in a safe, happy and healthy home. This goal is for ALL families, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, zip code, health and ability status, or any other consideration. We identify and deliver culturally relevant services and resources so that we can meet the needs of all families we serve - so everyone can prosper and reach their full potential!

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Chicks in Crisis

Year Established

1997

Tax id (EIN)

94-3371317

Mission Category

Human Services

Operating Budget

$500,001-$1 million

Organization Need

Funding: Program, In-Kind Donations, Volunteers

Demographics Served

Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx, Low-income individuals/families, Black/African American

Local Counties Served

Sacramento

Address

9455 East Stockton Blvd
Elk Grove, CA 95624

Service areas

Elk Grove, CA, US

Sacramento, CA, US

Galt, CA, US

Roseville, CA, US

Citrus Heights, CA, US

Phone

916-896-0031

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