Interview the Intern

David Rozul is the newest member to our team here at Home Start, as the Development and Marketing Intern.

Home Start: Hi David, where are you from? Are you originally from San Diego?

David Rozul: I actually am not; I’m from a city in northern California, Vallejo.

HS: Can you tell us one fun fact about yourself?

DR: Sure, I love an active lifestyle, so back in high school I was really involved in sports and was the captain of both the cross country and wrestling team.

HS: Are you currently in school, and if so what is your major?

DR: I am. I’m a journalism and public relations major and sociology minor at San Diego State University.

HS: That’s great. So David, why did you choose Home Start?

DR: I chose Home Start because I love its cause and what it stands for. When you step back and think about it, there is so much need in the world, so much suffering, I look at it all and realize that I am so privileged. It makes me want to give back and get involved. I have always been inclined to work for a non-profit agency and feel like this is a good place to start and gain experience.

HS: What do you like best about interning here?

DR: It’s such a friendly environment. From the people I work with around my desk, to people I meet in the break room, everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. I like it. It’s always a good feeling to know that you’re surrounded by people with such a positive attitude towards helping our San Diego community.

HS: What are your future career plans?

DR: I first want to finish my education at San Diego State, but ultimately my dream job would be working as a public relations specialist for a nation wide non-profit agency. As I said, I love to help and want to be involved, and I mean it. I think it would be amazing to as a career create awareness and get other people involved for a remarkable cause. Because at the end of the day what greater feeling is there than knowing your actions are positively affecting communities all across the nation.

David is currently working on our annual event Happy-Hallo Wine and in-charge of our social mediums. Add us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.start.inc 

Top 5 places in San Diego for the whole family

Posted by David Rozul

Parental neglect towards children is the number one form of child abuse. Don’t forget to spend time with your kids, and do something you will both enjoy together. Get out of the house and go have an exciting and enjoyable day!

We thought we would get you started with our top five places to go:

5. San Diego Zoo-  The San Diego Zoo continues to transform itself with new and eye popping exhibits and animals.  The brand new exhibit "Panda Trek" brings your kids face-to-face with Giant Pandas from the forests of China. As you walk through the park enjoy picturesque walkways decorated with over 6,500 plant species from around the globe. You may have to spend the extra dollar to visit, but it’s worth the time and money, to see animals from across the world right here in our San Diego backyard.

http://www.sandiegozoo.com/

4. New Children’s Museum – Let your child’s imagination run wild, with endless possibilities through three floors of active exhibits and play areas. Let your children play on wheels, slide down mattresses and make sculptures. Allow them to stimulate their creative minds in a fun and friendly environment.  There is even a toddler’s area with soft grass and forest area perfect for lying down and hide and go seek. Best part is every second Sunday of every month it’s free!

http://www.thinkplaycreate.org/

3. Birch Aquarium - Greeted by the life size 40-foot sculptures of a whale family at the museums entrance, the Birch Museum has a variety of things to keep your kids interested. See the creatures of the deep, get engaged in the world of flippers and fins, and watch sharks and jelly fish swim right by you. With an array of hands on exhibits, don’t miss the new “Boundless Energy” exhibit, it’s sure to keep your children active in  fun and innovative ways as they learn about “the forces we use to power our lives”.

http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

2. Balboa Park- Balboa Park offers a wide range of things to do for no or little cost to you. Take in the fresh outdoor air and have a picnic, walk around the botanical garden and make a wish in the water fountains. There are photo opportunities everywhere you turn so be sure to bring your camera. While in Balboa Park, don't forget to visit the museums for a great educational expereince with your kids. There are a variety of exhibits that are offered free every week of the month and a free organ concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavillion, every Sunday!

For a complete list of free Exhibits click this link:

http://www.sandieg.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/balboa/free.shtml

1. Mission Beach Board Walk- What is San Diego without beaches? So get out the sunscreen and make your way to Mission Bay. Mission Bay has a variety of things to do for your kids’ ever changing moods. Everything from lying around in the sun, tossing a frisbee, and flying a kite allow suitable options for every member of the family. If you get tired of the sand you can enjoy an evening of walking the board walk, or renting a bike or kayak from any of the several shops nearby.

Whatever you choose to do, go at your own pace and just enjoy your time with your family!   

"Women Who Rock"

Posted by David Rozul

Our very own Laura A. Mustari was nominated by the San Diego readers of SDMETRO as an outstanding professional who has made an exceptional impact on our San Diego communities.  Laura A. Mustari is currently the CEO of Home Start, and with her background in San Diego nonprofits for over 25 years, has brought with her knowledge, drive and passion that has kept our team being the best we can.  She has made remarkable changes with Home Start and her dedication and hard work is easily recognized in everything she does.  Laura A. Mustari has taken our agency to new heights, building relationships with city leaders, engaging a new donor base, and overall increasing professionalism. She is nothing less than a remarkable leader, and keeps everyone she works with motivated with her beaming smile.

We are always happy to acknowledge an outstanding member of our team, and continue to do the best and have the best, to serve our community.

"Laura Mustari's dedication, passion and expertise in the social services arena, especially as it pertains to the health and wellbeing of children and families throughout San Diego County is unmatched. I speak on behalf of the board of directors, the Home Start staff and the tens of thousands of Home Start clients who receive our services annually, in congratulating Laura, and thanking her for her years of outstanding service to the organization and the community."

-Anthony Bollotta

 President

Home Start Board of Directors

Click on this link for the entire article

Sun Life Financial Summit

Posted by Nicole Graichen

Last weekend Home Start CEO, Laura Mustari attended the Sun Life Financial Summit in Miami Florida along with our student nominee, Latrice Brown, who was chosen as one of the recipients of the $5,000 college scholarship. They met 21 other Rising Star scholarship winners, and their sponsor agencies from around the country to share their experiences with the Financial Literacy program funded through Sun Life Financial. A wonderful tribute to Home Start’s Financial Literacy program for youth and how we are helping our community!

Check out this article from the UT about the Summit that Laura and Latrice attended

Keeping Up the Motivation-Intern Diaries

Posted by Nicole-Home Start Mental Health Intern

Well, five months down and reality has certainly set in. The second semester of this school year is starting, and I hear myself talking about how tired I am with my peers, who generally agree with me. The application process for next year's internship is finally complete, and now starts a long month of waiting to find out the results.

Being an intern is tough. It is difficult to juggle internship responsibilities, classes, dissertation work, and family. I think that I probably find it more difficult than the average intern, because I am in my thirties now, and I had a career in which I had earned some positional authority. The good news is that I have learned a great deal about myself as a therapist and as a person. I am starting to feel more comfortable in a variety of therapy settings. Parent child interactive therapy (PCIT) is much less scary and fully rewarding. The current group of interns with whom I work is the most accepting and overall positive group I have ever been a part of. I guess it is time to put on my determined face and keep up the motivation.

Volunteers Needed

Target Employees volunteering at the
Home Start warehouse sorting food.

Each year more than 100 people donate precious time to Home Start by volunteering for various tasks which include: tax preparation for clients, community outreach, administrative services, handing out food to needy families, and organizing community food and clothing drives just to name a few.

Without their wonderful support we would not be able to provide critical prevention and treatment services for child abuse in our community.

Volunteering creates a lasting community impact through meaningful service! If you are looking for a meaningful and positive work environment then Home Start is the place for you. Please read below for current volunteer needs.

Development Volunteer Opportunities CONTACT ngraichen@home-start.org

Our friendly Development Staff is looking for energetic, organized, and flexible people that are able to commit to at least twice a week for at least 6 months. Schedule and length of commitment flexible and to be agreed upon before volunteer begins work.

Needs include: data entry, filing, mailings, creating and modifying documents in Microsoft Office, general clerical duties, and other opportunities in fundraising and event planning as needed/desired and agreed upon by both volunteer and organization. Please send resume and letter of interest via e-mail to ngraichen@home-start.org

EITC Volunteer Opportunities – January-April 2011 CONTACT hr@home-start.org

(Evenings and weekends)

Site Coordinator – Responsible for site operation including staff scheduling, supervision of facility and customer service.  Must have strong tax preparation background with excellent management skills and be well organized.

Tax Preparer – Conducts intake of client information and prepares federal and state tax returns.  Must have basic tax preparation skills and be willing to prepare numerous tax returns during tax season.  Candidates are required to complete Internal Revenue Service sanctioned tax preparation training and to pass the basic proficiency exam.

Greeter/Screener – Schedule and manage appointments, greet taxpayers upon arrival, and screen for proper documentation.  Must have good organizational skills with basic knowledge of documents needed to prepare tax returns.  Greeters/screeners must enjoy working with people and have excellent customer service skills.

Interpreters – Assist non-English speaking taxpayers upon arrival, ensure they understand requirements for tax preparation, and answer any questions taxpayer may have.  Must have good organizational skills with basic knowledge of documents needed to prepare tax returns.  Interpreters must enjoy working with people and have excellent customer service skills.

Check out the Latest Video!

Home Start Holiday Video

Thank you so much to everyone that participated at this year's Holiday Distribution at the Home Start Warehouse!!! Not even the pouring down rain could keep our superstar volunteers away. Please take a look at this video to see all of the special things that went on!!