The UPLIFT Story

Uplift was founded in 1987 by a Presbyterian pastor, the Reverend Burton Smith, as an ecumenical program to provide care and protection for some of the inner city's most vulnerable populations.

More than six hundred children, senior citizens and homeless ex-offenders are provided services in one of UPLIFT's three program components.

Kids At Heart

UPLIFT, an acronym for Urban People Living in Faith and Trust, finds its true strength in Kids at Heart. This is a program that offers tutoring and mentoring for low-income and racially diverse children in grades kindergarten through 12th. Many of the children struggle in school because of the language barrier and poverty. Childrem come from the neighborhoods of Little Italy, Golden Hills, Sherman Heights, Mid-City and Encinitas. Tutoring takes place at local churches and on school campuses.

Volunteer tutors provide noth only academic assistance but also encouragement and tips for success in school. Many of our tutors come as groups from churches throughout San Diego County. Tutors find that the children bring a new sense for friendship, awareness and purpose that is intrinsically rewarding.

In addition to weekly tutoring sessions there is a comprehensive enrichment program. During the school year there are Boy & Girl Scout meetings, art and dance classes and sports activities. During the summer we collaborate with local churches to offer Vacation Bible Schools and choir practice.

Senior Partners Plus

Senior Partners Plus is a program that provides fellowship and group activities for low-income seniors who live in subsidized housing in the downtown area. These high-rise buildings do not offer support services or transportation. So resident isolation, physical deterioration and emotional distress become major problems. Staff, using the UPLIFT van, provide weekly shopping trips to the grocery and discount store. The program also takes seniors on weekly outings to local attractions, cultural events and luncheons. Senior Partners Plus staff see to the senior's need for connectedness as well as the need for referrals to other agencies and assistance in crisis as needed.

Triple Cross

This program derives its name from the crucifixion in which there were three crosses; Christ and the two theives. Triple Cross works to provide assistance to homeless ex-offenders who are seeking to become reintegrated into the world of work. Our volunteers work with the Alpha Project at the Neil Good Day Center to provide job placement services. Volunteers assist clients with identifying job opportunities and resources necessary to seek employment. UPLIFT provides transportation to job interviews or to other resources necessary for getting a job such as the DMV, HUD Housing office or medical clinic.

Contact Us:

Linda Guzzo, Executive Director   
2691 B Street (rear of building)
P. O. Box 620819
San Diego, CA 92162-0819
(619) 234-4504
(619) 234-4508 fax