Marah spent six years moving between foster placements before landing in a program that let her stay connected to the same care team.
The 18-year-old high school senior is now enrolled in the Stepping Stones transitional housing program at Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families. The Camarillo-based nonprofit has coordinated her care since she entered foster care at age 12. Casa Pacifica shared Marah's story on Monday, Oct. 12, describing how its programs worked together across her transitions.
Marah was removed from her biological parents' care following childhood trauma, according to the post. She cycled through several placements while struggling with emotional regulation and trust.
In 2025, she lost her biological mother while also facing difficulties at school and in her resource home. Casa Pacifica moved her into its Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program, a 10-bed residential treatment program in Ventura County that serves youth ages 12 to 17. She spent five months there, developing coping and emotional regulation skills.
After completing that program, Marah returned to Casa Pacifica's Intensive Services Foster Care program. The program provides mental health and behavioral support for children with complex trauma. When challenges with attachment resurfaced, respite support from a former resource parent led Marah back to that home as she approached adulthood.
Through each move, the same Casa Pacifica team stayed involved. Multiple programs coordinated around her needs rather than requiring her to start over, the nonprofit said.
"Your past doesn't define you," Marah said in the Oct. 12 post. "Yes, your past matters, but it's not you as a whole person. Also, you're not your parents."
Marah now lives in Stepping Stones housing while finishing high school. The program, part of Casa Pacifica's Transitional Youth Services department, provides stable housing for young adults ages 18 to 25 who are aging out of foster care or at risk of homelessness. According to the nonprofit's program page, the department has served more than 700 youth over 15 years, with an average stay of 384 days.
An estimated 1,500 children need foster care across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, according to Casa Pacifica. In California, 25% of emancipated foster youth face homelessness, the nonprofit said.
John Duran, Stepping Stones supervisor, described the program's approach in a July 15 Casa Pacifica post about a different participant. "Once those foundational needs are met and they have the stability of housing and consistent support, they can start imagining what's possible," Duran said.
Casa Pacifica, led by President and CEO Shawna Morris, serves more than 2,100 children, young adults and families annually across 13 programs, according to a 2025 HOME Conference report. The organization used $7.5 million in state, county and private funds to renovate three cottages on its Lewis Road campus, expanding capacity to 27 beds for transition-age youth.
Casa Pacifica's 25th annual Angels Spotlight on Style Fashion Show is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit's mental health programs.
