Chicks in Crisis

Chicks in Crisis (CiC), founded 27 years ago, is on a mission to make a lasting impact in the lives of infants and children in the Sacramento region. Our focus is on reducing instances of abandonment, foster care, abuse, and even death by empowering parents with responsible parenting skills.  We believe in creating loving homes where children can thrive.

Today, Chicks in Crisis serves over 600 clients monthly, primarily in South Sacramento and Elk Grove, operating as a crucial pregnancy and parenting resource center.  With a strong commitment to education and family well-being, we strive to support parents in achieving self-sufficiency.

Our primary goal is to keep moms and dads in school, whether it's high school, college, or trade school, enabling them to secure well-paying jobs and break free from reliance on public assistance. As long as our clients remain in school, we provide them with essential items for their children under 5 every 30 days, including diapers, wipes, formula, clothing, and hygiene products.

By offering approximately $250-$300 worth of these items each month, we alleviate the financial strain on families and focus on aiding those who are actively working towards a better future for themselves and their children.

In addition to our educational support, we extend our outreach through the "Racing for Babies" program. Our mobile unit hits the streets 3-4 times a week, reaching out to the underprivileged and disadvantaged communities. Through this program, we provide diapers, wipes, hygiene products, and various other necessities, ensuring that no family is left unsupported.

Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of these families, helping us continue our vital mission. Join us in creating a community where every child grows up surrounded by love, support, and opportunity. 

A testimony from a past client - Jazmin's Story

I first began receiving assistance through Chicks in Crisis in January of 2020 - I was welcomed with open arms and was never questioned or judged by my living and financial circumstances at the time. I remember going home after my very first visit with a trunk full of basic needs and some surprise gifts - diapers, wipes, formula, bags of used clothing, small used toys, books, and hygiene equipment - in quantities that I would have never imagined being able to acquire on my own at that time. As a student, I was eligible to receive assistance every 30 days until the date of my graduation. In addition to the support with basic needs, staff would regularly check in with me by phone in between appointments to ensure my own physical and mental safety and well-being and offered referrals to additional government services that allowed me to continue to support my family.

Receiving the level of support that I did as a struggling first-time mom and low-income student, especially once COVID-19 hit, allowed me to continue pursuing my education and enter into my first career as a science teacher and second career in technical support without quitting school or further delaying my path to a teaching credential. I was no longer forced to choose between groceries versus purchasing diapers or which credit card had the least amount of debt when my WIC/SNAP benefits were used up for the month. I was able to comfortably dress my son in appropriate size clothing rather than squeezing him into clothing that was too small because I could not afford to buy a new set of clothes for him and do laundry multiple times a day. I was also able to give my son birthday and holiday gifts and utilize safety equipment through donors of Chicks in Crisis who regularly donate used clothing, kids toys, furniture, bedding, toileting equipment, etc. I was also relieved of the burden of having to spend money on my own hygiene needs (in addition to my child’s needs) through the generous help of Chicks in Crisis providing basic hygiene needs for moms and dads as well as their children. Additionally, I was able to pursue my dream of receiving a Master’s degree while supporting my son as I was gradually able to support my family financially on my own, and the support staff graciously celebrated my accomplishments through sponsorship of special invitations to events as a “star client”. Most importantly, my son was able to grow healthy and happy with two healthy parents under one roof.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the staff at Chicks in Crisis and all of the generous donors who have helped support this organization and allowed many young parents to stay in school to launch their careers to support their families. It is with the assistance of donors and community members that have allowed Chicks in Crisis to grow and help many more families over the years, and I am now proud to be a donor myself and give back to the organization and support the families currently in need of assistance. Thank you very much in advance for your time and consideration in investing in young families and their futures.