Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families in Camarillo has renamed its main campus after Dr. Steven E. Elson, former chief executive, the organization announced early this month. The Steven E. Elson Campus is devoted to crisis care for foster and at-risk children in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and has helped 42,687 children and youth, as well as their families, for 26 years. Elson led the organization since it opened its doors in 1994; he retired in July. Under his leadership, the Centers grew from initially offering four core programs to 14 campus and community-based programs this year. “Steve embodied the hope and help that we provide for abused, neglected or at-risk youth and their families,” said Shawna Morris, new chief executive for the organization. “Naming the campus the Steven E. Elson campus is a wonderful way to remind each of us every day the reason we work at Casa Pacifica.” “His vision and leadership has seen us through some tough times and has also helped us reach admirable heights – we thought naming the Camarillo campus after him was an appropriate way to honor his legacy of healing,” added Bill Powell, board president. The Centers’ board of directors decided on the name change during a virtual meeting.
