"I am motivated by the clients that we serve"

Posted by Laura Mustari (Home Start CEO)-Interview with Paul Davis (Home Start Board Member)

1. Paul, you remain a passionate and committed board member to Home Start…..what motivates you?

I am motivated by the clients that we serve- over 20,000 children and roughly 8,500 families. We as a full service child abuse prevention and health and human services agency- been here in San Diego for 38 years- are dedicated to the safety, protection, and nurturance of San Diego’s most needy, abused, neglected children. I am very passionate about our clients, Home Start staff and committed 15 board members!

2. If you could describe what Home Start provides to the community in one sentence, what would you say?

Home Start is a dynamic, living and thriving “Safety Net” that provides direct social services, including effective parenting, earned income tax credit, optimal health and mental health services, temporary food, shelter and housing to San Diego’s most needy.

3. What do you think would surprise San Diegans about child abuse prevention issues in San Diego?

Child abuse does not discriminate and spans socio-economical, political, gender, and ethnic strata. We have child abuse in the lovely enclaves of La Jolla, the foothills of Escondido, the bastion of El Cajon, and the flatlands of South County. Child abuse is evident in Caucasian, African American, Latino, as well other diverse ethnicities.

4. If a donor stepped up with $1million today, how do you think it could best be used to make a difference?

Gladly and graciously accept the 1-mllion dollar donation (this is not too far off) and apply it to the Maternity Shelter home- a safe haven for homeless pregnant and parenting young mothers (ages 18-24) who need direct services. This includes permanent housing, food, clothing and all the amenities to raise their young children in a safe, protected and secure environment. Other areas needing monetary and volunteer support include Home Start’s Parent Child Interactive therapy, Family Self Sufficiency in East County, and Central regions, Earned Income Tax Credit and Parenting education classes to name a few.