Lifeline Community Services

We are so proud to share that Lifeline Community Services Board Vice President, Dr. Darjené Graham-Perez, Ed.D., was recently recognized as a Black Leader of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal, County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, and Walden Family Services. Dr. Darjené Graham-Perez is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Walden Family Services, where she oversees HR Strategy, total rewards, employee relations, organizational development, and workplace inclusion. She leads talent acquisition, succession planning, performance management, and compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives. Darjené has optimized HR policies, enhanced recruitment strategies, and launched employee resource groups to drive engagement, retention, and a culture of belonging. Committed to workforce development, she established strategic internship partnerships with Howard University and the California University of Science and Medicine to strengthen diverse talent pipelines in social work and healthcare. She also drives leadership development through professional learning circles across San Diego and Riverside counties. Beyond her role at Walden, Darjené is involved in the community by serving as Vice Chair of Lifeline Community Services’ Board of Directors, MAAC Project Board of Directors, and is a member of both Jack & Jill of America, Inc. Congratulations Darjené! We are incredibly honored that your visionary leadership guides our day to day work at Lifeline to better serve each and every person that comes through our doors.

Meet Erich Foeckler: Passionate Leader, Community Builder, Lifelong Advocate Erich Foeckler is a nonprofit leader whose passion for making a difference has shaped a dynamic 30+ year career in service to others. From the start, Erich has been driven by a simple but powerful mission: to uplift those who need it most. Over the years, he’s rolled up his sleeves and worked alongside individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and child abuse, while also empowering students, advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS, and supporting global humanitarian efforts. His work spans a wide range of impactful organizations, including Episcopal Community Services, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Home Start, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and International Relief Teams, to name just a few. Erich brings an unmatched combination of expertise and empathy to every cause, always with a heart focused on helping others. Erich holds the prestigious title of Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and attended the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where he earned a certificate in fundraising. His professional credentials are top-tier, but it's his deep commitment to building communities and fostering meaningful connections that truly set him apart. He’s also served on several nonprofit boards, including Housing Innovation Partners, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation. A proud Midwesterner who’s called sunny San Diego home for over 35 years, Erich pours his heart into his work and his community every day. Whether he's mentoring the next generation of fundraisers or advocating for a cause close to his heart, Erich’s commitment to others shines through in everything he does. For him, it’s all about empowering people to live with dignity, purpose, and joy. Most recently, Erich is excited to join Lifeline Community Services, as the Director of Philanthropy and Communications, where he will work tirelessly to support children and families in need. Through his work with Lifeline, Erich hopes to create pathways to stability, empowerment, and hope, ensuring that every family has the tools and resources they need to build brighter futures—one family at a time.

We are proud to announce the formation of Lifeline’s inaugural CEO Advisory Council—a group of 17 remarkable leaders who bring diverse professional expertise, lived experience, and civic leadership to our work. Over the next two years, this council will provide insight and guidance to help shape Lifeline’s future, helping us grow our impact and ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. Each member is a leader in their own right, and together, they represent the best of San Diego’s civic leadership. We look forward to the conversations ahead and the collective wisdom they will bring to Lifeline’s mission. Stay tuned as we share more about this impressive group and their role in creating transformative change. Kim Becker, CAE, CM, Michael G. Brown, Raul A. Campillo, Irma Cota, MPH, Jane Finley, Nelli Garton, PhD, Linda L. Katz, Julian Parra, Pamela Gray Payton, MSEL, Star Rivera-Lacey, PhD, Monique Rodriguez, Stephen Russell, Ebony Shelton, Vladimir Victorio, Emily Young

Today we honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ?? His dedication to service transcends generations and continues to inspire our day-to-day work. At Lifeline we have helped transform 25,000 lives, guided by the principles of creating a more just and inclusive society. Together, we are building a community where every individual has the resources, opportunities, and support to thrive. #mlkday2025 #mlkday

Congratulations! ?? We are incredibly proud of Lifeline's Board Member Yameeka J. Williams, MBA, MSHA, FACHE and her appointment as Chief Operating Officer for the San Diego Service Area at Kaiser Permanente. This milestone achievement is a testament of her passion and dedication to breaking down barriers and expanding access to health and social services for the community. Yameeka embodies what it means to be a Lifeline for others through her kindness and commitment to service. As a cherished member of our team, we wish you continued success! ?? #LifelineCommunityServices #SanDiego #CommunityLeadership #LifelineCS

The Lifeline team is celebrating our CEO, Lisette Islas, as she marks her one-year anniversary leading our organization. Over the past year, her vision and deep commitment to the community have strengthened our work. We’re even more excited to share that Lisette has been named a finalist for Girl Scouts San Diego’s Cool Women of 2025! This prestigious recognition is a reflection of the leader we know and admire—a woman of courage, confidence, and compassion who inspires us every day to create lasting change. Congratulations, Lisette! We’re so lucky to have you at the helm. ?? We extend a sincere congratulations to all the other finalists. Your exceptional leadership is transforming San Diego for future generations! #LeadershipMatters #CoolWomen #LifelineCommunityServices #GirlScoutsSanDiego #CommunityImpact

Happy Holidays from our Lifeline family to yours. We are deeply grateful for your support. Together with friends and champions like you, we have transformed over 25,000 lives this year. Your belief in our mission continues to inspire hope and create opportunities for many in our community. Wishing you joy, peace, and connection this season!

Welcome to the Lifeline Family! We're thrilled to welcome three incredible new board members who share our passion for opening doors to opportunity and strengthening our communities. ?Amber Ter-Vrugt: Senior Director of Government Relations at Scripps Health ?Carlos Antonio (Flo) Flores: Founder & President of CAF Companies LLC ?Nikia Clarke, Ph.D.: Senior Vice President at the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation Their leadership, expertise, and heart for service inspire us, and we can't wait to see the impact we'll make together. Welcome, Amber, Carlos, and Nikia! #LifelineCommunityServices #LifelineCanHelp #SanDiego #WelcomeToLifeline #BuildingBrighterFutures #CommunityLeadership

Heartwarming moments from Lifeline's Fiesta Navide?a at La Casita! A delicious home-cooked meal was shared with La Casita youth and their families, creating memories filled with joy and connection. Thank you to our incredible staff and volunteers for making this special community event possible. #LifelineCommunityServices #LifelineCanHelp #LifelineCS #FiestaNavidena #CommunityLove

We are honored to celebrate Simone Van Horn, Lifeline’s Project LIFE Program Manager, for her selection as a Resident Leader in Alliance Healthcare Foundation’s Innovation Initiative (i2) $1 Million Milestone-based Challenge Grant program. The i2 program is a groundbreaking effort by Alliance Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to amplify voices with lived experience and shape funding decisions that drive meaningful, systemic change. Simone will draw from her deep expertise as a clinical social worker and her personal journey toward health and wellness as she participates alongside AHF staff, committee and board members through all phases of the i2 work. Simone’s passion for advancing health equity and fostering community well-being is evident in everything she does. We are proud to see her stepping into this leadership role with Alliance Healthcare Foundation. Thank you to Alliance Healthcare Foundation for recognizing and empowering leaders like Simone who have dedicated their careers to helping our communities thrive. Congratulations, Simone, on this well-deserved recognition and opportunity to amplify your impact! #LifelineCommunity #InnovationInitiative #ProjectLIFE #HealthEquity #CommunityLeadership @alliancehf