What is SAY San Diego?

What is SAY?

SAY San Diego (Social Advocates for Youth) is a dynamic, locally based non-profit agency celebrating over 37 years of dedicated support to the positive development of young people, their families and communities.

What is SAY's Mission?

SAY’s mission is to be a leader and a partner in the provision of accessible, quality services effectively planned and implemented to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of San Diego’s children, families and communities. 

Prevention - Education - Support - Empowerment

What services does SAY provide?

SAY’s primary services include:

  • Delinquency Prevention & Juvenile Diversion
  • Extended Day Before & After School Programs
  • Family Support and Development
  • Health Promotion
  • Community Development & Collaboration
  • School Readiness & Support
  • Child Abuse Prevention
  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Abuse Prevention
  • Mental Health Services

Does SAY work only with children?

No.  SAY believes that in order to help children succeed, we must work not only with the child, but also with the child’s family and the various systems, such as schools and other social service organizations, that may be involved in the child’s life.  Parent and community involvement is a key component of SAY’s work.  We focus on "The Whole Child, Whole Family, and Whole Community."

How long has SAY been in San Diego?

SAY was founded in 1971.  Our first program was established to help youth navigate the juvenile justice system.  Over time, we have expanded and grown to respond to needs in the San Diego community.  We have been serving San Diego continuously for over 37 years.

Where is SAY located ?

SAY currently has offices, programs and Family Resource Centers throughout the City of San Diego.  Many of SAY's services are located at schools, probation facilities and other community sites, to make them accessible to our clients.  Please see the “Locations” page of this website for a list of site addresses.

How do children and families come to SAY?

Many families contact SAY directly while others are referred to us by schools, police, probation, community organizations, and other families who have benefited from SAY’s services.  SAY San Diego served over 34,000 youth and families in 2007.

Are SAY’s services effective?

YES.  The success of SAY’s programs is reflected in part by an ever-increasing rate of referrals from the community. Follow-up studies have shown that 93% of young people participating in SAY’s delinquency prevention programs do not have further contact with the juvenile justice system.  SAY’s Extended Day Child Care program, with enrollment of over 4,000 children in schools throughout the City of San Diego, sets a new standard of excellence.

Where does SAY’s money go?

Approximately 89% of SAY’s budget goes toward direct services to children and families, 2% to development with the remaining 9% going to administrative costs.

How can I help support SAY?

SAY San Diego gratefully accepts financial and in-kind donations from individuals, businesses or groups. (Federal tax ID #23-7107958).  We also happily welcome volunteers to serve as mentors, tutors and to work at special events!  Please see the Volunteer page in the “Get Involved” section of this website for more details.