Christina Hicks Opens Up Her CASA to La Mesa Families in Need

As president of the Mount Helix Council of PTAs and a full-time mother of two, it’s surprising Christina Hicks found time to create CASA (Community and Student Assistance), a non-profit organization that serves underprivileged families throughout the La Mesa-Spring Valley (LMSV) school district.

Providing everything from baby food and car seats to razors and maxi pads, CASA helped more than 180 people over Christmastime and continues to provide what Hicks calls “one stop shopping” to the community.

“They just have to ask for what they need,” said Hicks, who logs about 60 hours a week and runs the program with the help of Bernice Guerra, a mother of three. “If we don’t have what they need, I put the call out.”

And her call goes far and wide, either to neighboring PTAs or various organizations like the LMSV Educational Foundation, Feeding America and Common Grounds, who all have made contributions.

“No child in this district should go without,” said Elizabeth Bacting, the Helix Council treasurer and Hicks’ emotional support. “Somehow, some way, we will find an option.”

CASA also provides informational resources for a variety of other services, such as tutoring, family health centers and others. To use CASA, simply talk to the counselor, office manager or principal at your child’s school, fill out the necessary referral form and the rest will be taken care of. If you’d like to volunteer or donate, you can email Hicks at casacanhelp@gmail.com.

MAGIC FOUNTAIN: The next time you throw a penny into the fountain at Grossmont Center, you’ll know it does a whole lot more than make your wish come true. According to a sign posted nearby, the money is collected by the the city’s Park & Recreation Foundation, which uses it to help develop quality projects and programs for La Mesa’s youth and community.

For more information on various projects of the foundation or to donate directly, contact Yvonne Garrett at 619-667-1300 or by email at parkfndn@ci.la-mesa.ca.us.

MUSIC IN THE COSMOS: This Saturday, April 9, musician Nathan Welden will play at Cosmos, his “favorite coffee house.” The San Diegan singer/songwriter is said to croon like James Taylor, and has been nominated by the California Country Music Awards and the San Diego Honoring Acoustic Talent Awards.

The event is free and starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit nathanwelden.com.