Aspiranet Cherish Receiving Center

Cherish Receiving Center is designed to provide a safe haven (for up to 24 hours) for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect, or have experienced a disruption in foster care placement. Cherish Center provides care
for children/youth during the rst hours of removal from their homes. The Center is a bright, cozy atmosphere that simulates a home environment, with amenities such as: bedrooms, kitchen area, washer and dryer, bathing facilities, storage area, large living room with play area, and office space. There are also open cubbies full of toys, arts & crafts materials, movies, games, and books, which are available for children/youth staying at the Cherish Center to use at any time. Cherish staff are prepared to handle the trauma
that children/youth are experiencing when they are first brought to the center. The goal of the Cherish Receiving Center is to support
children during the crisis of home-removal by insuring their safety and well-being while placement decisions are coordinated by the County Workers. The Center works in partnership Monterey County Department of
Social and Employment Services, Behavioral Health, and the Public Health/Visiting Nurses Association. It is the goal of Cherish Center's trained childcare staff to identify and provide:
• Immediate basic needs
• Physical and mental health assessments
• The provision of a welcoming and comfortable living space
• Age-appropriate activities
• Food that meets dietary needs
• Bathing facilities and personal hygiene products
• Laundry services

Cherish Center is part of a continuum of care that promotes lifelong connections for the children we serve with a safe space while affording County Social Workers the time to identify and coordinate the best placement
option for the child. Ideally, children are reunited with family or close kin, but if these options are unavailable to the child/youth, the County Social Worker will pursue the least restrictive out-of-home options which may include a foster home or group home. The main funding source for Cherish Receiving Center
comes from a county contract. Additional funds come from private donors, foundations, grants and fundraising activities. Members of the local community can get involved with Cherish Center by becoming a member of the Cherish Impact Council. To learn more call
831.444.3654.