KATHYS LEGACY FOUNDATION

Kathy’s Legacy aims to have a strong support program for children of domestic violence homicide through our Silver Lining program. The program enhances the existing Victim Advocacy Program to fulfill the needs of children experiencing the devastating murder of a parent from intimate partner violence. Providing nontraditional therapy along with traditional therapy helps children navigate their grief journey to healing. Kathy's Legacy also provides opportunities for normalcy for the children to experience the lost joys of childhood knowing that healing can take place through laughter, play and simply having fun.

Our Lady's Legacy program was inspired by Kathy's dog, Lady, who witnessed Kathy's murder. Pets are often unnoticed victims of domestic abuse and caught in the crossfire. Victims report batterers had injured, killed, or threatened to hurt their pets. This program aims to one day provide a formal support system for victims and their pets.

Kathy's Legacy Foundation raises funds each year to support our programs. The foundation has formed key partnerships to help provide services to victims at no cost. Additionally, leadership within the foundation is actively pursuing additional partnerships, donors, and grants to expand its ability to help victims.

Kathy's Legacy also actively collaborates with the San Diego District Attorney's office regarding the Silver Lining program for introductions to families impacted by domestic violence homicide.

Knowing pets are victims of domestic abuse prompted Kathy's Legacy to partner with San Diego Humane Society to join forces to launch a domestic violence program, which will provide a formal support system for victims and their pets. In the meantime, Kathy's Legacy has also partnered with Amazing Strays Rescue to provide long-term fostering for pets of victims. This allows victims to leave abusive situations and receive needed shelter services.

We communicate and partner with other local community organizations that share likeminded missions and goals.

Kathy's Legacy Foundation has grown in numbers and partnerships over its short lifespan. The foundation has secured influential and dedicated board members and volunteers who have demonstrated their passion for making Kathy's Legacy one of help and healing through providing life changing needed resources that are not readily available to most victims in the community free of charge.

Kathy's Legacy has accomplished a great deal in its short history. Programs we have implemented to assist victims of domestic violence are Silver Lining, Share the Dream, and Lady's Legacy. We have partnered with Rady's Children Chadwick Center, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, attorneys, and therapists to help the families with much needed support.

Kathy's Legacy provides families support with basic living needs including food, gas and clothing. In addition as needed per family we fund counseling, dental care, orthodontic care, therapy, adoption or guardianship aid, assistance with school field trips, summer camps, school supplies, and extracurricular activities.

All of our Silver Lining children are recognized on their birthdays and holidays, as well as participating in our Silver Lining group outings.

They have formed friendships with each other as a result of our family outings. They are also realizing they are not alone. Our family outings allow them to participate in social experiences they may not have the opportunity for otherwise, and promote their exposure to different activities and events from sports, to science and art.

In addition, through collaboration and teamwork with community partners we are seeing issues like pets in domestic violence situations, becoming a subject at the forefront of concern for decision-makers in our area.