In Jeffrey Sitcov’s Cardiff home, photographs cover nearly every inch of the walls, telling the story of his nonprofit, Doors of Change, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Alongside images of music legends like Elton John, Billy Joel and Etta James are portraits of young underserved San Diegans whose lives have been transformed by Doors of Change after experiencing homelessness.
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Together, the photographs tell the story at the heart of Doors of Change, where music serves as a fundraiser, an outlet and a vital pathway for getting young people off the streets. The organization’s 2026 Concert of Hope fundraiser will be held Sept. 26.
Founded by Sitcov in 2001 as PhotoCharity, Doors of Change has spent the past 25 years helping homeless transitional-age youth, or TAY, ages 17 to 24.
“I’m most proud that we were able to gain their trust quickly and get them the programs they need, the mental health that they need to become self-sufficient and stay self-sufficient,” said Sitcov, who in January began a part-time role at Doors of Change because of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis.
A former physical therapist and professional concert photographer, Sitkov drew on his connections in the music industry to recruit high-profile musicians who donated signed instruments, music equipment and memorabilia to support the organization’s work. According to Sitcov and financial records, over the past 25 years the nonprofit has raised about $9,030,256 for homeless youth.
During that time, Doors of Change has developed several programs to reach and help underserved youth. These include its Taking Music and Art to the Streets program, which — for 18 years — provided free instruments, music lessons and a place to play before closing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Justine Bethel said she had been on the streets for three years when she learned about Doors of Change while staying at a shelter. She connected with Doors’ expressive arts therapy program, found solace in music lessons and went on to graduate from college and law school. She has since spent 20 years advocating for Doors of Change and now serves on its board of directors.
“I had my 16th birthday in the shelter,” said Bethel. “Through Doors of Change I received mental health services and access to expressive arts therapy, as well as a lot of options for healing.”
The pandemic prompted the organization to rethink its outreach work and to develop its Homeless Youth Advocacy Program, or HYAP, which was conceptualized by program director Joanne Newgard. The program pairs homeless youth with one of the three case managers who connect them with shelter and other critical resources. Doors of Change also operates a 24/7 hotline and works with community partners to connect youth with services they need.
For Sitcov, the organization’s 25th anniversary comes at a time of transition.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about 18 months ago, and — in January — Newgard stepped into both the president and program director positions previously held by Sitcov. He has since stepped into a part-time role and is serving as president emeritus, with plans to finalize a succession plan later this year.
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“I expected to do this work the rest of my life, but when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, everything changed,” said Sitcov. “I had to think of myself and my health first.”
Under Newgard’s leadership, Doors of Change has continued expanding its outreach through HYAP, connecting young people with case managers and the resources they need. The organization was awarded the 2025 Nonprofit Leader Award from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“It is a huge honor that Jeffrey trusts me to carry the torch, to represent Doors of Change and continue to build trust with not just the youth here in San Diego, but with our community partners,” Newgard said. “I’m excited for the opportunities ahead.”
Another major part of Doors of Change’s work is its annual Concert of Hope fundraising, which brings musicians together for a performance and auction featuring signed instruments and memorabilia donated and signed by well-known artists and celebrities. The event serves as the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser.
This year’s Concert of Hope will take place Sept. 26 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
A VIP party will precede the concert and feature seven main auction items, including a skateboard signed by Tony Hawk and guitars signed by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Carlos Santana and the Doobie Brothers. There will also be about 50 silent auction items. The event will feature Doors of Change youth speakers who have experienced homelessness and a headlining performance by the Petty Breakers, a Tom Petty tribute band.
Two months ago, a longtime Doors of Change donor pledged $90,000 to help underwrite the organization’s Homeless Youth Advocacy Program Legacy Fund. By doing so, they became Doors’ first Legacy Angel Team member. This week, Sitcov himself committed to give an additional $90,000 as further seed money for the Legacy Fund, which he hopes will build momentum to achieve the fund’s $4 million goal.
“As much as we’ve done, Doors could be gone in three to four years if we don’t have the funding to continue,” he said. “And it would be a shame not to keep this going, especially since 40 percent of the kids we help are LGBTQ and it’s been even tougher than usual for them in these divisive times.”
“Doors of Change has been 24/7 for me,” said Sitcov. “I dedicated myself to Doors for 25 years. Now, it is time for the team to continue with this and move forward.”
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Doors of Change’s Concert of Hope 2026
8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26
California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 North Escondido Blvd., Escondido
$36.80-$86 general admission, $246 (VIP tickets)
doorsofchange.org/concertofhope
George Varga contributed to this report.
