About Us

Our History

Children’s Health Foundation (formerly Rest Haven Children’s Health Fund) got its beginnings in 1909 in San Diego largely through the efforts of Mrs. Florence “Ma” Mead for the purpose of treating people with tuberculosis and was initially known as the Society for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis. The Society incorporated in 1910 and in 1920 became a “Preventorium,” a convalescent facility devoted to the welfare of children with or exposed to tuberculosis and its legal name became Rest Haven Preventorium for Children. When the preventorium was no longer needed due to the tuberculosis epidemic dramatically improving, the preventorium was closed.

Upon disposition of the physical facility in 1953 and from the proceeds of the sale, Rest Haven Preventorium established an endowment fund for children in San Diego County designed exclusively to help children in need with health problems when no other financial resources were available and to assist agencies in the acquisition of equipment. Later, the fund was expanded to include children in Imperial County.

In 1998, Rest Haven began doing business as Children’s Health Fund. The spirit and mission of Rest Haven’s beginnings have persevered for more than 100 years due to the dedication and commitment to ensuring all children’s health needs are met and is known, today, as Children’s Health Foundation.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance the health and well-being of children in San Diego and Imperial Counties by filling gaps in funding to ensure no child goes without essential care, supporting innovative programs, and empowering communities to build a healthier, brighter future for every child.

Our Vision

Our vision is a future where every child in San Diego and Imperial Counties has access to comprehensive health services, ensuring they grow up healthy and able to reach their full potential regardless of circumstances.

The following values drive our mission and vision:

1. Equity for Every Child
We believe every child, regardless of background or circumstances, deserves access to adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and education.

2. Proactive Prevention
We value preventative care to address health issues before they arise, empowering children to reach their full potential.

3. Community Collaboration
We collaborate with public and private partners to bridge gaps and address the unmet needs of children.

4. Informed Action
We value using data in shaping decisions and actively educate ourselves about the most pressing needs in children’s health and well-being in our community.

5. Resilience and Adaptability
We recognize the dynamic nature of healthcare-related needs and are committed to being flexible and responsive by adapting our strategies to meet emerging challenges.

6. Compassion and Empathy
Understanding each child’s unique challenges, we approach our work with empathy, ensuring our support is compassionate and effective.

7. Responsible Stewardship
We are committed to maximizing the impact of every dollar entrusted to us, ensuring resources are used efficiently to help as many children as possible.

8. Transparency and Accountability
We operate with the highest standards of openness about our processes, funding, and outcomes, ensuring that every donation makes a tangible difference.

9. Integrity
We uphold the highest ethical standards in our operations, ensuring trust is the cornerstone of our relationships with donors, partners, and the children we serve.

10. Building a Sustainable Impact
We endeavor to build and strengthen our capacity to promote long-lasting health and well-being for children in our communities.

Board of Directors

Children’s Health Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors meets twice a year. The Executive Director coordinates the Emergency Assistance Program, Special Grants, and all aspects of our operations. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Children’s Health Foundation Board of Directors and the year they were appointed to the Board:

• • Christine Bryant Nelissen, Chair, Retired President & CEO, 2007
  • Stephen O’Kane, Vice President, Community Health Consultant, 2010
  • Mark Emch, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, Retired, 2018 
  • Alison F. Gildred, Secretary, Community Volunteer, 2007
  • David N. Allsbrook, Retired Public Official, 1993
  • Stuart Cohen, M.D., Pediatrician, 2024
  • Derek Danziger, President, Danziger Public Relations, 2023
    
  • Randall Gorman, Commercial Real Estate Finance & Investment Advisor, 2012
  • Steven B. Johnson, VP of Business Development, Marketing & Communications, San Diego Theatres 2023
  • Scott Noya, Real Estate Attorney, 2012
  • Mary M. O’Connor, D.D.S., Pediatric Dentist, 2015
  • Karrin Ryan, Market Administration Manager. 2012
  • George J. Stratigopoulos, D.D.S., Dentist, 2015
  • Harold Tuck, Retired Public Official, 2003
  • Paul R. Wozniak, M.D., Neonatologist, 2009

Honorary Board of Directors:

• • Raymond “Mac” Peterson, M.D., Retired Pediatrician & Regional Center Director, 1977

Acknowledgements

Children’s Health Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank the San Diego History Center for providing all of the historical pictures above from the Rest Haven Preventorium Collection, Booth Historical Photograph Archives.