NEW! Healing Through LIteracy program
Catching our most vulnerable in the net.
As the President and Founder of The Thumbprint Project Foundation and on behalf of our Board, we are proud to announce a NEW Program - Healing Through Literacy for our most vulnerable - our homeless children. We continue to partner with local experts to provide those children experiencing homelessness that are in transition, that are at-risk, with the necessary skill sets they need to have opportunity in life and to be successful.
NEW RELEASE! a collaboration for awareness brochure!
Rady Children / Chadwick in Collaboration with The Thumbprint Project Foundation - Creating Healthy Families
We are proud to launch our collaborative for awareness brochure into the community! Our brochure is available at Family Justice Centers, Door of Hope, and Rady / Chadwick Center. If you are interested in displaying our brochure please contact us at 619-537-6376.
AVAILABLE IN SPANISH!
Front, Back, and Inside Flap
Impact on Children, Intervention, and Help Lines
Inside, Center, and Inside
The Science of Trauma, Effects in the Womb, and How To Talk To Your Child About Domestic Violence
"THUMBPRINT " the hidden public crisis
The Thumbprint Project Foundation along with Cloudcast Media is PROUD to have released our documentary-series "THUMBPRINT". A special thank you to our sponsor FEUERSTEIN, MURPHY & BEALS, LLP and to everyone involved in making this come to life! VIEWABLE NOW! - click on docu-series tab above, viewable on YouTube or on Cloudcast under Thumbprint Studios.
The covid - 19 Lockdown and THE risk to children
During the COVID-19 pandemic we have saw a rise in Domestic Violence. Children are increasingly caught in the crossfire due to the strain and lack of resources their parents are experiencing. Home is not always a "safe place". Capturing the true impact of Childhood Domestic Violence statistics during the COVID-19 lockdown is difficult because some cases went unreported. Community organizations and outlets i.e. counselors, teachers, healthcare workers, and other family members were not available to these victims while stay at home orders were in place. In many cases these outlets are life lines for these victims. These children were left behind closed doors without a voice. The impact on children will be seen for many years to come.
The Thumbprint Project Foundation is asking you to keep an eye out for children that are in trouble. Contact your local authorities and or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7234 to report concerns.
Awareness and taking action let these children know that "we see you, you matter."
Childhood Domestic Violence Awareness
Impacts of Childhood Domestic Violence - Protect our Children
Understanding the definition of domestic violence can help you to take more effective action against its many manifestations of abuse.
Globally, the victims of domestic violence are overwhelmingly women. Domestic violence is among the most underreported crimes worldwide. It is often hidden by a perpetrator's success in life. Success is the warmest place to hide.
According to the United States Department of Justice - Office on Violence Against Women - the definition of domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain control over another intimate partner. Abuse comes in many forms some of which are physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, economic abuse, and psychological abuse.
The costs of intimate partner violence in the US alone exceed $5.8 billion per year; $4.1 billion are for direct medical and health care services, while productivity losses account for nearly $1.8 billion.
Childhood Domestic Violence, also known as CDV, is the exposure of a child to abusive behavior or violence in a home between two intimate partners or perpetrated on one partner.
Studies suggest that up to 3.3 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually in the US.
There is acknowledgment that a child who is exposed to domestic abuse, both physical and verbal, during their upbringing will suffer developmental and psychological damage. Verbal abuse can be even more damaging than physical abuse. Children are especially sensitive to verbal abuse. Typically, the more verbal abuse a child suffers, the more problems the child is likely to develop as a result. It does not matter how old the child is when the abuse occurs for it to have a damaging and lasting effect, nor does the economic status of the family or the gender of the child matter. Exposure to violence in the home negatively wires and encodes the child's developing brain ( negative neural pathways are formed— forming a “thumbprint” ). This "thumbprint" shapes a child's behaviors, sense of self, and how they view others. These negative behaviors will be assimilated into their lives and it will perpetuate. As a child, this exposure sometimes manifests into bullying in schools and as we grow into adults it becomes to take form as abuse on your intimate partner.
The new emerging profile in our society is women with children who flee, rendering themselves homeless. Sometimes they are forced to flee in the middle of the night. These women leave with nothing in their hands except the small hands of their children, protecting them at all cost, hoping to give them a better life. These same children are at risk of repeating homelessness as an adult, repeating the domestic violence behavior, at risk for substance/drug abuse, and at high risk for becoming a victim of human trafficking.
JOIN THE THUMBPRINT PROJECT FOUNDATION TODAY TO HELP BRING AWARENESS ABOUT CHILDHOOD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND PROTECT OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. To speak to someone about domestic violence related services available throughout San Diego, call the San Diego 24 Hour Access and Crisis Line at 888-724-7240 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24 hours a day at : 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
Board of Directors
Kristie Bruce-Lane, Founder / CEO
Kristie has over 20 years of corporate experience in the Healthcare and Agricultural industries. Kristie is passionate about one of our most vulnerable populations - our children. She believes in a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. She serves her community and believes it is about the people, making an impact and getting meaningful results. Kristie currently serves on the Southern California Salvation Army Metropolitan Board, Healthcare Businesswoman's Association Member of Southern California, Continuum of Care member of the San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless, San Diego Council on Literacy Board Member, President's Circle Board Member Palomar Health, and served as the former elected Director for Division 4 Olivenhain Municipal Water amongst other leadership positions in her community. Kristie earned two B.S. degrees in the field of Nutritional Science and Crop Science with a minor in Biotechnology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The impact of her life experiences shaped her passion to make a difference in the lives of children who are disadvantaged and exposed to events that have negatively impacted their lives.
Kristie’s recent awards of recognition include San Diego Journal Businesswoman of the Year Finalist in 2021, YWCA 2024 Tribute to Women & Industry TWIN Award, and the 2025 Salvation Army Women of Dedication Award for her work in addressing homelessness. Kristie is a proud mom, wife and businesswoman. She resides in the 4s Ranch area ofSan Diego, CA with her husband Todd and young son Luke.
Jessica Whittington-Rogers, Treasurer
Jessica is a multi-business owner and is the President of an organization that provides resources to underserved children in youth sports. She has a background in Logistics and Accounting. She understands that positively impacting our youth at an early age sets them on a path of success. She has a long history of serving her community volunteering, fundraising and sponsoring youth sports teams. Jessica has three amazing daughters and resides with her husband Derek.
Tina Huston, Secretary
Tina has over 30 years' experience helping clients achieve their retirement dreams. While her main focus is retirement planning, she also have extensive knowledge in tax, estate and investment planning. She is the President and co-owner of JM Financial Strategies located in Kearny Mesa. Tina graduated from University of California San Diego with a BA in Management Science (Economics) and holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix. In her spare time, she enjoys doing volunteer work and traveling. Tina has always done volunteer work with organizations that support children and is eager to learn more, in order to help children who are victims of domestic violence and trafficking. Tina was recognized as the CHAD 2008 Volunteer of the Year for the San Diego Chapter of the Autism Society of America. She has two grown daughters and lives with her husband, Jeff, in University City.
Tina G. Huston, MBA, EA, CFP®
Registered Representative
CA Insurance Lic. #0784235
thuston@jmfinancialstrategies.com
JM FINANCIAL STRATEGIES
4550 Kearny Villa Road, Suite 201
San Diego, CA 92123
P: 858-569-4010 F: 858-569-9950
Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC a Registered Investment Adviser.
Cyndi Wegerbauer, Public Relations Director
Cyndi has over 30 years of experience in developing strategies and leading omni-channel campaigns to strengthen brand and reputation of organizations in highly regulated markets including defense, aerospace, government, environmental and business. She has a deep passion to build strategic partnerships and is an effective leader to bring the right resources to bear in support of an organization’s mission. Cyndi is also a champion of those whose voices are not heard and joins the Thumbprint Project Foundation to help expand its reach and impact on the most vulnerable - homeless children who have been impacted by domestic violence. Recently retired from Northrop Grumman Corporation, Cyndi is the owner of CW Consulting, a marketing and public relations agency and a graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. She has two daughters in college and resides with her husband in San Diego.
Judy Simeroth, Events Director
Judy has been advocating for children of domestic violence for over 30 years. She served as a Crisis Interventionist with the San Diego Police Department and has never stopped her volunteer efforts to assist families and their children. Currently she serves on the Rancho Bernardo Rady Children Hospital Auxiliary Board. Judy enjoys supporting the different Rady’s Children Hospital Auxiliary unit fundraisers and learning the ever-changing innovative lifesaving programs the Hospital provides.
Judy along with her husband, Jesse owns and operate rental properties in San Diego and Nevada. Jesse is a retired San Diego Police Department Detective who served in the Domestic Violence Unit. They have 2 grown children living their best lives in San Diego and Seattle, Washington.
ADVISORY BOARD
Elisabeth Caetano, Clinical Director, Author and Licensed Psychotherapist
Elisabeth is a licensed Psychotherapist with the state of California and have over 20 years of experience helping people make changes in their lives using a goal oriented approach. She owns her own business - Navigating Changes located in San Diego,CA. Together, her clients work on concrete solutions- learning positive coping skills and stress management. Her areas of specialty include Empowering Women, Goal Setting/Achievement, Making Life Changes, Self-Esteem Issues, Authenticity, Personal Growth and Mindfulness. She has spent her career working with women of domestic violence, addiction, mental health and empowering women to live vibrant and fulfilled lives. She is passionate about helping others in her community. She is the author of "Down The Rabbit Hole and Back" that is available on FabEverAfter.com. and she is the recipient of the 2020 Author of Influence Award. Elisabeth is a impactful life coach and an authentic mother who lives with her family in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Rupali Chadha, Board Member Forensic Expert and General Psychiatric Physician
Dr. Chadha is a Board Certified Psychiatric Physician who diagnoses and treats mental illness. She was trained using the Perspectives of Psychiatry, a model formulated at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, to diagnose patients looking at their brain, personality, behaviors and life story. She is also Board Certified Psychiatric Physician in the specialty area of forensics. She serves the LA Superior Courts in identifying inmates who are incompetent to stand trial and has also served as a forensic expert in criminal trials.
Dr. Chadha treats various mental illnesses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders including OCD and PTSD, psychotic disorders, ADD/ADHD, eating disorders, substance related disorders, emotional disturbances secondary to chronic medical conditions, and sleep disorders.
Dr. Chadha believes in a holistic approach in the treatment of mental illness and looks at a patient's other medical illnesses as well. She provides nutritional counseling and tips for healthy weight management to decrease a patient's metabolic risks.
Lisa Blazer, Director healing Through literacy program
Engage. Empower. Elevate.
Welcome to Healing Through Literacy! We have partnered with Lisa Blazer, MAT & RLLSC to provide those children experiencing homelessness that are at-risk with the necessary tools and essential skill sets they need to have opportunity in life and be successful - reading and writing proficiency.
About Lisa
Lisa Blazer is a San Diego native who resides in Carmel Valley with her three sons and husband of twenty-five years. After announcing she wanted to be a teacher at the age of six, she spent her young adult life working with children in numerous capacities. Lisa went on to earn degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Pitzer College and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University.
In addition to teaching elementary school, Lisa has dedicated the past 30 years working with children, educators, and families with diverse backgrounds in a variety of roles. As her eldest left for college, she decided to return to school herself to pursue a Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential from San Diego State University.
Currently, Lisa is a private educator working with elementary-age students. As a literacy specialist, she works individually with each child to assess and create a plan to best support their needs. Her goal is to foster a trusting relationship with each student and build the confidence and enthusiasm necessary for them to develop as a reader and writer. She tailors activities and lessons to keep students motivated, engaged, and inspired using an array of research-based instructional strategies. Lisa focuses not only on her students’ academics, but also on their social and emotional development in order to provide children with the tools necessary to feel empowered and become resilient, successful, and compassionate life-long learners.
Lisa Blazer, MAT & RLLSC
(858) 945-6920
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare of California has been providing government-funded care for over 40 years. The Company serves members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Covered California (Marketplace). Molina’s service areas include Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Orange County and Imperial counties. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 4.7 million members as of June 30, 2021. For more information about Molina Healthcare of California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to partner with Molina Healthcare of California making a difference in our communities!
North County Family Justice Center
The North County Family Justice Center is dedicated to transitioning victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking into survivors. NCFJC provides services free of charge to individuals to empower them to break free of their abusers, end the pattern of violence, and become thriving members of society. The NCFJC provides a safe environment to victims and their families and offers services which enable them to regain their self-worth and find their way out of abusive relationships and into a new violence-free life. You are safe at the North County Family Justice Center. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to partner with North County Family Justice Center!
Crime Survivors
Crime Survivors’ vision is for victims of crime to recover from their experience mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially, by receiving the respect, support, and protection of law enforcement, the judicial system, and the community.
The mission of Crime Survivors is to provide
hope and healing to victims and survivors
of crime through advocacy and the
support of resources, information, and
empowerment from the critical time
after a crime occurs through the challenges and successes of surviving and thriving. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to partner with CrimeSurvivors!
San Diego Family Justice Center
The San Diego Family Justice Center, the first center of its kind in the United States, provides help and hope to victims of family violence and their children. Every day, those impacted by family violence, child abuse, and elder abuse, find safety, protection from their abuser, legal help, counseling, food, clothing, spiritual support, medical assistance, and so many other free services from the Center's professionals and volunteers. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to partner with San Diego Family Justice Center!
Door of Hope - A Part of Salvation Army
You need three things to heal from the trauma of domestic violence. You need distance emotionally, financially, and physically. The Door of Hope offers a variety of housing options and support while these women and children escape the abuse and start to transition their lives.
The Door of Hope is a 7-acre campus with programs designed to give hope and transform lives. They work from the heart. The Door of Hope has continually helped women in crisis, especially those with children, since 1931.
First Five San Diego
First Five San Diego is the region's primary organization for promoting the health and well-being of children during the most critical years of development – from the prenatal stage through age 5. First 5 San Diego’s vision is that all children ages 0 through 5 are healthy, are loved and nurtured, and enter school as active learners. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to partner with First Five San Diego in our efforts to raise awareness about early childhood trauma prevention and creating healthy families.
The San Diego Foundation - A Trusted Leader Driven To Spark Change
The San Diego Foundation improves the quality of life in all of our communities by providing leadership for effective philanthropy that builds enduring assets and by promoting community solutions through research, convening and actions that advance the common good.
California Coast Credit Union - Your best interest.
California Coast Credit Union is the longest-serving credit union in San Diego County, headquartered in San Diego, California. California Coast Credit Union is proud to serve the needs of the San Diego and Riverside communities. From supporting local causes by creating a path through financial literacy or by giving back through their Cal Coast Cares Foundation, they are dedicated to uplifting the communities they serve. www.calcoastcu.org
Amazon Partners With The Thumbprint Project Foundation
Thank You for Supporting The Thumbprint Project Foundation!!! 100% of the donation amount generated from your eligible purchase on AmazonSmile will be donated. The donation amounts generated by your purchases are combined with the donation amounts from all other customers that selected our organization, and each quarter the AmazonSmile Foundation will make a donation to The Thumbprint Project Foundation by electronic funds transfer. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is a registered charitable organization on AmazonSmile! To help support The Thumbprint Project Foundation with every purchase, select The Thumbprint Project Foundation as your charitable foundation in your AmazonSmile profile or please go to our direct link when making your next purchase:
GOODS FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Good360’s mission is to transform lives by providing hope, dignity, and a sense of renewed possibility to individuals, families, and communities impacted by disasters or other challenging life circumstances who, without us, would struggle to find that hope.
As the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, we partner with socially responsible companies to source highly needed goods and distribute them through our network of diverse nonprofits that support people in need.
NEW CARS INC. - Driven...To Help You Drive...A Better Buy!
New Cars Inc. has been helping clients purchase both New and Pre-Owned vehicles since 1986. They have delivered over 85,000 vehicles to our clients helping them save: Time, Hassle, and Money in the process of purchasing their vehicle of choice. Whether you are in the market for a New Vehicle...or a gently used Pre-Owned vehicle...we are here to help you.
Thank you NEW CARS INC. for stepping forward as a resource for those who are transitioning their lives and the lives of their children in need of an affordable, reliable and mechanically sound vehicle. The time these homeless children spend on public transportation to get to and from school could be time they are spending at home with their family and or enjoying after school activities that others are afforded because they have reliable transportation. For the parent, who is working so hard in their transitional process, they can get to and from work everyday in reliable transportation in order to support their children and get back on their feet.
San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless
The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to be part of The Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH) is an integrated array of stakeholders committed to preventing and alleviating homelessness in San Diego. The Regional Task Force on the Homeless provides essential data and insights on the issue of homelessness, informing policy and driving system design and performance. Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Innovation and Knowledge are the pillars to our success in ending homelessness in San Diego. www.rtfhsd.org
Ralph's Community Rewards
Ralphs Community Contribution Program donates to local organizations based on the shopping you do everyday. Once you link your REWARDS CARD to The Thumbprint Project Foundation, all you have to do is shop at Ralphs and swipe your REWARDS CARD!
A digital account is needed to participate in Ralphs Community Contribution Program. A REWARDS CARD is required for the Ralphs Community Contribution Program program so that your transactions apply toward The Thumbprint Project Foundation. Search for The Thumbprint Project Foundation by name or use our organization code: NB676
Thoughtful representation. Premier results.
Feuerstein, Murphy & Beals, LLP has more than 90 years of experience in family law and is known for zealous advocacy and quality reputation. The philosophy behind their practice is rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. Their experienced team is able to tailor their methods to fit each individual clients' needs. Through hard work and thorough preparation they are committed to helping you achieve your personal goals. To start moving forward please visit: www.fmb.law
Leading Locally - A Great Company is a Caring Company
In honor of Chick-Fil-A Founder Truett Cathy's legacy of giving, goodwill and passion for supporting youth, the Chick-Fil-A Foundation seeks to nourish potential in every child. Chick-Fil-A's giving is driven by a desire to create caring communities where every child - regardless of economic background, race, religion or orientation - has the opportunity to become all they can be. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to partner with Chick-Fil-A, Del Sur Town Center by working together to improve the lives of children and have a positive impact in our community. www.chick-fil-a.com
Inspire and Enable
The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is part of a nationwide movement of community-based, autonomous organizations and Boys & Girls Clubs of America working to help youth of all backgrounds develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. The Club is committed to serving the needs of youth, ages 6 (and enrolled in the 1st grade) to 18, during the critical hours when they are out of school and away from parental supervision. The Club gives children what they need most: a safe environment where they can have fun and be themselves, adult role models who respect and listen to them, and interesting, constructive educational and recreational activities that channel youthful energy into challenging and productive pursuits. www.boysgirlsclubsm.org
Literally Opens Worlds!
The mission of the John Corcoran Foundation, Inc. is to facilitate the prevention and eradication of illiteracy and sub-literacy in adults and children across America, through public awareness, creation and dissemination of resources, and training and mentoring through existing literacy organizations and educational programs. The John Corcoran Foundation believes children and adults who can't read are unable to participate in many ways in their communities and are even limited in their daily lives. It is their vision to help create a society in which each individual has the basic skills necessary to become successful in all aspects of life including family, education, work and community service.
www.johncorcoranfoundation.org
PUBLIC RELATIONS PARTNERS
Public Relations Powerhouse!
c3 Communications, Inc. (c3) is a nationally known, award-winning public relations agency of 20 years with a seasoned team of PR consultants. c3 is a powerhouse and is strategically placed in top markets across the country because of their personal connections with local, regional, and national press. c3 is about people, making an impact, and getting results. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is proud to be a partner with this amazing team. For more information about c3 Communications please visit: https://www.c3publicrelations.com
Bringing Ears and Minds Home
Uniquely positioned to amplify local brands and elevate their stories. Cloudcast and their creative marketers and storytellers will produce podcasts, ads, custom content and multi-platform integration. Causecast is proud to help give a voice to many great social impact partners making San Diego a shining example of how social challenges are met with passion, compassion, and purpose. The Thumbprint Project Foundation is a proud partner in our unwavering commitment to our community. www.cloudcast.us
Stand together as a community!
Help The Thumbprint Project Foundation's Cause!
When they cannot make sense of what is happening, together we can show these children that they are surrounded by a community of love and support.
When these women of tremendous courage step out from behind closed doors to protect and provide their children with a better model for life, let's lean forward as a community and help.
As a foundation, we will let these children know "we see you, you matter," and we are here to help. This is not your fault.
