Earlier this month, Pacific Clinics held a reception at our Los Gatos campus to celebrate the opening of its third on-campus professional parent cottage. This home is a short-term refuge and place of healing for a high acuity teen in foster care, and their certified professional parent.
This yearlong project was made possible through the significant efforts and generosity of the Swenson Foundation, the Archer Family Foundation and Jana Turner. The Swenson Development Team worked alongside Pacific Clinics’ Physical Plant Operations Team to renovate an existing single-family home to meet the urgent need for more professional parent homes in Santa Clara County.
These cottages provide free housing for professional parents who might otherwise not have the space to care for a high-risk child or teen in foster care or the resources and support that come with being next door to our offices.
“From being in situations where they may feel somewhat disconnected, to having the experience of being part of a family with a lot of support, but not in an institution, is the key to success for these youth,” says Clinical Director Michelle Goodwin.
In attendance were Lisa & Case Swenson and the Swenson Development Team, Pacific Clinics Board members, the Foster Care & Adoptions Services Team, as well as members of the Fund Development and Physical Plant Operations Teams.
What is a Professional Parent?
A professional parent is a resource parent who offers support to children and teens in foster care with higher behavioral health needs. Professional parents provide the bridge to permanent placement for children and teens who may be struggling in certain areas while delivering direct, individualized services for each child.
Interested in Learning More?
We are always looking to welcome new professional parents to our team. If you’d like to learn more, you can contact Fina Muñoz or fill out our online form.
Pacific Clinics’ Clinical Director Kevin Burnside, Project Assistant Monica Rivera, Resource Parent Recruiter Fina Muñoz, Clinical Program Manager Jennifer Baumgartner, Regional Manager Stephanie Antonioli, Clinical Director Michelle Goodwin and Clinical Director Simon Purse
Living room
Bedroom 1
Bedroom 2
Bedroom 3
A “before” picture of the interior of the Swenson Home
A “before” picture of the bathroom