Submitted by: Patty Boles, Founder and Director, Straight From the Heart, Inc.

At Straight From The Heart, we believe that every child deserves to be born into loving arms. But sometimes, another set of arms is needed—to hold, to heal, and to love. Whether for a day or for a lifetime, our mission is to support the children who need that care, and the caregivers who open their hearts and homes to them. 

We are a nonprofit resource center serving foster, adoptive, and kinship families, as well as the children entrusted to their care. For over 27 years, we’ve provided advocacy, guidance, and support within a child welfare system that can often feel overwhelming and under-resourced. Our entirely volunteer staff is made up of foster and adoptive parents, retired social workers, and compassionate community members who understand the journey because they’ve lived it themselves. 

Our work is rooted in collaboration. We’ve partnered with Rady Children’s Hospital to provide foster caregivers with full access to MyChart, ensuring they have the vital medical information needed to care for the children in their homes. We are proud to be one of only three organizations in the nation to offer this level of access. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we collaborated with San Diego’s presiding juvenile court judge to launch an electronic court report filing system that made it easier for caregivers to submit required documents without disrupting the children in their care. 

We also celebrate our partnership with the County of San Diego’s CFWB (Child and Family Well-Being), whose placement social workers are now stationed at Straight From the Heart. This collaboration allows families to meet face-to-face with placement staff, exchange critical paperwork, and receive essential items such as clothing, toys, diapers, cribs, and school supplies.  

In addition, we offer monthly in-person support groups, training sessions, and one-on-one mentoring to guide and uplift caregivers and families. 

If you were ever in foster care—you are who we serve. We don’t let go. Whether you passed through Hillcrest Receiving Home 40 years ago or once stayed at Polinsky Children’s Center, you are still our people. We’ve heard your stories, shared your tears, and we honor your resilience. 

One elderly gentleman recently shared with us how a loving foster mother changed his life, eventually adopting him. When we told him he was one of our people and offered a discount, he refused—and instead, made a donation. Stories like his are the soul of this organization. 

To every child who has never gone home, and to every adult who once was that child: We are here for you. Always. 

To learn more about our programs and how we support foster, adoptive, and kinship families, please visit StraightFromTheHeartInc.org