The BirthdayMAGIC program currently has four shelters or projects participating in the program, Mather Community Campus, The OMEGA Program, Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center and the Sacramento Children’s Home Cowell Center.

Mather Community Campus

The Center houses approximately 55 families and more than 100 children. All children living at the campus were homeless, living at a shelter, or in another transitional housing setting before arriving on campus.

Residents of MCC, enjoy a safe and secure environment where staff members are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Residents are educated in job search skills and are provided with the tools to advance their chosen career paths. A case manager and an employment services worker work in partnership with students to secure steady jobs, build a stable lifestyle and obtain permanent housing.

All members of MCC are involved in maintaining a clean and sober community. Activities that support students in recovery include alcohol and  drug education workshops, transportation to nearby 12-step groups, and clean and sober recreation activities. All residents are drug tested.

In 2010 fifty-one (51) formerly homeless men and women were headed to new jobs, safe homes and the loving embraces of friends and family as graduates of Mather Community Campus.

OMEGA Program – SAEHC

Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center

Since their very first year in 1972, SAEHC has provided a safe haven for homeless families and women in the Sacramento region. Much more than just a place to stay, the emergency shelter provides these individuals with care and programs that offer various services that are instrumental in breaking the cycle of homelessness.

SAEHC clients receive individualized case management, referrals to alcohol and drug recovery and prevention services, children’s services, in addition to financial and employment counseling, and much more.

Homelessness is a traumatic experience for anyone, but it is especially traumatic for families with children. In order to minimize the effects of homelessness and keep families intact, SAEHC is proud to be one of only two Sacramento shelters (until last year, the only one) to admit all members of a family, including those with fathers & boys who are over the age of 14.

Sacramento Children’s Home Cowell Center

Founded in 1867, today the Sacramento Children’s Home offers 24 hour, community and educational programs that serve more than 1,800 families and 3,500 children of the Greater Sacramento Area each year. Various programs address the needs of children prenatal to young adulthood: from early intervention to intensive trauma care — from new born to emancipated youth.

The Cowell Center houses approximately 14 children, ages 6-11. All children living at the center have experienced various types of abuse. This includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence. For many children, the Cowell Center is a final hope for some stability after having gone through several failed foster home placements.

The children who live at the Cowell Center are considered emotionally disturbed due to their past experiences. Despite their past, the goal of the Cowell Center is to help these children learn that adults can offer positive things. The hope is that each time something good happens to them they feel happier about themselves and others, and are better able to function in society.