Our Founder
Our Story: From Healing One to Helping Many
Before founding Doors of Change, Jeffrey Sitcov operated a thriving private physical therapy practice. This career was more than just a job; it was a calling rooted in a deep love for helping others. However, in 1998, a career-ending spinal cord injury sustained while working with a patient changed everything.
The loss of a beloved profession led to a period of profound soul-searching. Driven by a persistent desire to serve, Jeffrey spent 12 months interviewing 100 different nonprofits to find a new path. This journey led to an invitation to join two outreach workers searching for homeless youth in Mission Beach, California.
The Day Everything Changed
That four-hour evening walk in 2001 redefined a life’s mission. During the outreach, Jeffrey met an 18-year-old woman living on the streets. They spoke nonstop for 20 minutes, leaving him struck by her wisdom and maturity.
The true impact of the encounter was revealed only after she walked away: the outreach workers shared that she hadn’t spoken to a soul in six months, despite receiving food and clothing from others. This moment provided a vital realization: Building trust is the essential key to helping youth transition off the streets.
A Legacy of Trust and Transformation
On July 4, 2001, motivated by that single conversation and the discovery of how many youth were suffering in silence, Jeffrey established Photocharity (now known as Doors of Change).
For 24 years, Jeffrey led a dedicated team of caring professionals committed to supporting unhoused youth throughout San Diego. Now, he is excited to pass the baton and have Doors of Change continue to grow under new leadership.
To date, Doors of Change is proud to have helped over 3,000 youth find safe housing and shelter, continuing a mission that began with a single step toward building trust.
Support homeless youth when they need you most.
Your unrestricted gifts enable us to provide immediate shelter, case management, and life-changing ongoing support for Homeless Youth in San Diego County.