CEO Blog

In honor of Leave a Legacy Month, CRC CEO John Van Cleef reflects on how planned gifts can carry compassion forward, helping ensure future generations of neighbors find care, dignity and hope when they need it most.

Volunteerism is more than service. It’s an expression of self-giving love. It is the quiet decision to step toward someone else’s need with compassion, dignity, and presence.

Honoring women also means investing in the conditions that help them and their families thrive.

In every community, there are people who make things better because they decide to. They notice what’s needed. They bring others along. They keep showing up. 

As we recognize Dr. King this month, I invite you to start with one small act and let it grow.

A Year of Impact, Made Possible Together As we reflect on 2025, we’re very grateful for the many ways our community showed up for neighbors in need, through everyday acts of care and moments of collective action that made a meaningful difference. Community Highlights There were so many meaningful moments...

As we head into the holidays, my heart is full of gratitude. Not the fleeting kind, but the kind grounded in what I witness every day: people choosing to stand with their neighbors, choosing generosity, choosing hope. 

Last month, our volunteers, staff and clients arrived at CRC to discover our front tree wrapped in a handmade knitted quilt, a beautiful “tree hug” stitched together by anonymous neighbors. Words can only begin to describe the gratitude and encouragement we felt. It was a tangible reminder that this community cares deeply.  

September is Hunger Action Month. You may know someone struggling with food scarcity, even if you don’t realize it. Learn how food rescue works at CRC to provide healthy food for neighbors in need.

No one should have to choose between paying rent and feeding their kids, or between groceries and critical care. Yet these are the impossible decisions that more of our neighbors will face if federal support declines. 

Everyone deserves the dignity of a safe home. The San Diego Union-Tribune recently highlighted a regional encampment resolution effort helping unsheltered households secure safe shelter and support.

I’m grateful for our community’s compassion and partnership, and I’m proud to share our 2024 Annual Report with you.