Your Family’s Guide to Resources & Support
How to Use This Family Resource Hub
Welcome to the Soul 2 Sol Family Resource Hub, a space created with care, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to supporting your family’s emotional and everyday wellness. We know that finding help can feel overwhelming, especially when life is busy or stressful. This hub is designed to make things easier.
Each section offers simple explanations, practical tools, and trusted community resources to help you support your child, strengthen your family, and access the services you need. You can explore at your own pace. Whether you are looking for emotional wellness tools, sensory-friendly strategies, or basic needs support, we’re here to walk with you. You are not alone — Soul 2 Sol Community Impact is honored to support your family’s journey.
Important Note
If you or someone you know needs urgent help, please reach out immediately. The resources below are especially helpful for families navigating stress, trauma, or urgent emotional needs.
Emergency & Crisis Services — San Diego County: Dial 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 211 for local crisis support and referrals.
The wellness tips in this hub are intended for general educational purposes and are not a substitute for professional counseling or medical advice. Families seeking personalized support should consult a licensed mental health professional.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and other ways of thinking and experiencing the world. At Soul 2 Sol, we celebrate neurodivergent children as creative, capable, and deeply valued members of our community. This section provides affirming guidance for families seeking clarity, support, information, and next steps.
Tips for Supporting Sensory Needs
Many children experience sensory sensitivities or sensory-seeking behaviors. These strategies can help create comfort and reduce overwhelm:
- Create a calm, low-stimulation space your child can retreat to when overwhelmed
- Offer sensory tools such as fidget toys, weighted blankets, or noise-reducing headphones
- Give advance notice before transitions to reduce anxiety
- Use visual schedules to help children anticipate their day
- Follow your child’s lead — observe what soothes and what excites them
- Partner with teachers and therapists to create consistent routines
Trusted References: STAR Institute for Sensory Processing • Autism Society • CDC Developmental Disabilities Resources • Lingraphica AAC Resources
Community Resource Links
Autism Speaks — autismspeaks.org
Provides resources for autism support, early diagnosis, therapies, and family services.
Understood.org — understood.org
Offers tools and support for families raising children with learning and attention differences such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.
Buddy Bear’s Emotional Wellness Tips for Kids
- It’s okay to feel big feelings — name them out loud
- Take three deep breaths when you feel upset
- Talk to a trusted adult when something feels hard
- Moving your body helps your brain feel better
- You are loved, valued, and never alone
Community Resource Directory
A curated collection of trusted national and local resources, organized by category, to help your family find the right support quickly and easily.
Food Assistance & Basic Needs
These resources help families locate food banks, housing assistance, and emergency services in their local community.
- United Way – 211 — Find food banks, shelters, childcare, and financial assistance by zip code.
- Feeding America — Nationwide network helping families locate nearby food distribution sites.
Education & Learning Support
Free educational tools, tutoring, and learning programs for children of all ages.
- Khan Academy — Free lessons in math, science, reading, and more.
- Scholastic — Reading activities and learning tools for parents and kids.
Early Childhood Development
Programs supporting early education, development milestones, and preschool readiness.
- Head Start Program — Early education, health services, and family support for children ages 0–5.
- Zero to Three — Dedicated to early childhood development and parenting support for infants and toddlers.
Parenting Support & Family Guidance
Resources to help families understand child development and positive parenting strategies.
- CDC Parenting Resources — Parenting guidance, developmental milestones, and family health resources.
- Child Mind Institute — Expert guidance on children’s mental health, behavior, and learning challenges.
Neurodivergent Support
Affirming guidance for families navigating autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory differences.
- Autism Speaks — Autism support, diagnosis resources, and family services.
- Understood.org — Tools for families raising children with learning and attention differences.
Child Safety & Digital Wellness
Helping children thrive in a connected world starts with practical habits and open conversations. Here are parent-friendly tips to protect your child online and build healthy screen time routines.
Online Safety
- Use parental controls on all devices and platforms your child accesses
- Keep devices in shared spaces so online activity is visible
- Teach kids not to share personal information — name, address, school, or photos — with strangers online
- Review apps and games before your child downloads or plays them
- Encourage open conversations so kids feel safe reporting anything uncomfortable they see or hear online
Healthy Digital Habits
- Create tech-free times such as dinner, bedtime, and family activities
- Balance screens with outdoor play and creative, hands-on activities
- Model healthy device use — children learn from what they observe
- Teach kids to notice how screens affect their mood and take a break if they feel frustrated or anxious
- Encourage breaks every 30–45 minutes of screen time to rest eyes and reset
Basic Needs Support Directory
San Diego–area organizations and programs families can access for immediate support with utilities, clothing, diapers, and more.
Utility Assistance
- LIHEAP — Energy bill support for income-eligible families
- SDG&E Assistance Programs — CARE, FERA, and Medical Baseline rate reductions
- 211 San Diego — Utility and emergency assistance referrals; dial or text 211
Clothing Closets
- Father Joe’s Villages — Comprehensive family support and clothing resources
- Salvation Army Family Stores — Affordable and free clothing for families in need
- Jewish Family Service San Diego — Clothing and household essentials assistance
- San Diego Rescue Mission — Emergency clothing and basic needs support
Diaper Banks & WIC
- San Diego Food Bank Diaper Bank — Free diapers distributed to families in need
- Miracle Babies Diaper Distribution — Support for families with premature and medically fragile infants
- WIC Program — Nutrition, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits for women, infants, and children
- 211 San Diego Baby Supplies Directory — Dial 211 for local baby supply resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about Soul 2 Sol — from toy drive eligibility to volunteering, donating, and our inclusive programs.
What is the Soul 2 Sol Annual Toy Drive?
The Soul 2 Sol Annual Toy Drive is a community-based initiative dedicated to providing free, new, unwrapped toys to children ages 1–11. Our mission is to bring joy, dignity, and hope to families while strengthening community connections through acts of kindness and service. Learn more about our programs →
Is Soul 2 Sol a nonprofit organization?
Yes. Soul 2 Sol is a community-based nonprofit initiative dedicated to serving children and families through acts of kindness, outreach programs, and community engagement. Our mission is centered on uplifting underserved communities by providing support, resources, and meaningful experiences that promote joy, dignity, and connection.
Who is eligible to receive toys?
Parents, caregivers, grandparents, and guardians of children ages 1–11 are eligible to register for our toy distribution events. Registration details are shared in advance on our website and social media platforms.
How do I register for the toy distribution?
Registration typically takes place during our annual sign-up event in September. Details, including date, time, and location, will be posted on our Events page and social media platforms.
Are the toy distribution events free?
Yes, all toys distributed through Soul 2 Sol are completely free to registered families. Our goal is to ensure children experience joy during the holiday season.
What is the Soul 5 Squad?
The Soul 5 Squad is our upcoming YouTube channel launching in April 2026. It is a joyful, community-powered platform that shares uplifting stories, toy drives, family moments, and messages of kindness and inclusion.
How can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers who are passionate about giving back to the community. You can sign up through our website or contact us directly for upcoming volunteer opportunities.
How can I donate or support the toy drive?
You can support our mission by donating new, unwrapped toys, making a monetary contribution, or partnering with us as a sponsor. Visit our Get Involved page or contact us for more information.
What is the Next Level Back-to-School Initiative?
The Next Level Back-to-School Initiative provides essential school supplies, backpacks, and supportive resources to help children start the school year prepared and confident. It reflects our commitment to supporting families beyond the holiday season.
Does Soul 2 Sol support neurodivergent children?
Yes. We are committed to inclusion and proudly provide sensory-friendly and neurodivergent-supportive toys and resources. Buddy Bear represents our dedication to ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
How can I stay updated on events and programs?
Visit our website and follow us on social media (Facebook and Instagram: @Soul2SolAnnualToyDrive) for the latest updates, events, and community highlights. You can also check out our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@soul5squad. Check our Happenings & Highlights page for recent news.
How can I contact Soul 2 Sol for more information?
Visit our Contact Page to submit questions, partnership inquiries, or volunteer requests. You can also reach us by phone at 1-833-373-3897 or by email at admin@soul2solannualtoydrive.org.
References for Mental Health & Family Wellness Tips
Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2018). The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child. Bantam Books.
Greene, R. W. (2014). The Explosive Child. HarperCollins.
National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2015). Supportive Relationships and Active Skill-Building Strengthen the Foundations of Resilience. Harvard University.
Soul 2 Sol Community Impact
Kindness in Action. Community in Motion.
Helping you find the information you need to stay connected and informed. We’re here to walk with your family every step of the way. Still have questions? Reach out anytime.
1-833-373-3897 admin@soul2solannualtoydrive.org