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Dear Friends,
A caring adult, whether a family member, teacher, coach or mentor, often can make a crucial difference in the life of a child. Two programs featured in this month’s newsletter tell the story of FSA’s work in connecting youth with those who care for them.
Last year, nearly 2,000 students received support from the Outreach Mentors in Santa Maria, a program that has been going strong for nearly 40 years. And, over 200 fathers have participated in the Dedicated Dads training with great success! We encourage you to read our FSA blog to learn more about the impact of these programs.
Every day, throughout the entire county, our staff meets individuals and families whose lives are made better by a helping hand, a kind word and a deep understanding of what is needed to create and preserve health and wellbeing.
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We thank you for partnering with us to make a difference to so many,
Lisa Brabo, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
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SMVYFC 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Outreach Mentors Make Lasting Impressions
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Outreach Mentors Gail Burgess and Danielle Calvo pose for a selfie. |
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FSA's Outreach Mentor team at their end of the year Outreach gathering. |
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As a student in Santa Maria in 1988, Danielle Calvo began seeing an Outreach Mentor in first grade. “I was excited when I was able to spend time with my mentor, Gail Burgess,” said Danielle. “My parents were separating, and Gail encouraged me to talk through my experiences, but she made our time together fun through games and activities.”
Years later, even into her adult life, Gail’s impact left an incredible impression on Danielle, inspiring her to also be that role model for children who were just like her. When Danielle stumbled across a job opening and Gail’s name was listed as the supervisor, she knew she had to apply. After a heartfelt reunion, Danielle is now supporting young students in Santa Maria as she once was nurtured.
Like Danielle, if you grew up in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District (SMBSD), more than likely an Outreach Mentor has touched your life. Through a range of services and activities, Outreach Mentors from the Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) have made a lasting impression in the lives of students and families throughout the region, nurturing personal development, educational success, and community involvement.
To read the full story on FSA's Outreach Mentors, visit our Family Matters Blog!
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FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
‘Dedicated Dads’ Lead to Healthy Kids
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Family Service Agency's Dedicated Dads is the only program of its kind in Santa Barbara County. Since the inception, 200 fathers and father figures have participated in an evidence-based curriculum led by FSA’s facilitators. The curriculum was developed by the National Fatherhood Initiative whose vision is for every child to grow up with an involved, responsible, and committed father.
“The key to the success of Dedicated Dads is a safe, non-judgmental space where the dads can share their stories and challenges with the role of fatherhood," says FSA's HHS Grants Manager Yeimi Arias. “Many come into the program somewhat skeptical,” she continued, “but leave feeling better about themselves as dads and as part of a group that has common understandings.”
To read more about our Dedicated Dads program, click the button below!
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LITTLE HOUSE BY THE PARK
LHP Receives $140k Grant From Central Coast Creative Corps For Artist Led Outreach Initiatives
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Guadalupe Community Changers Maria Montaño and Margarita Salazar tabling for Earth Day. |
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We are so honored to announce that The Little House by the Park (LHP), has been selected to receive a $140,000 grant as part of the Central Coast Creative Corps (CCCC) Program, a pilot grant program funded by the California Arts Council.
The grant award will fund LHP to work with a Central Coast-based artist for one year. The artist will work in collaboration with a parent-led advocacy group known as the Guadalupe Community Changers, a parent-led organization that supports the development of community projects, encourages other parents to be more engaged in their children’s education, and offers leadership opportunities to increase civic participation.
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To learn more about the impact of this award, click the button below! |
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
FSA Reaches Families at Local Lompoc Market
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Family Service Agency was on hand sharing information about programs and services at the Lompoc Old Town Market on July 7. Friend of FSA Emily Pio, FSA's Front Office Coordinator II Larisa Pio Villareal, and Front Office Coordinator I Alda Figueroa gave out some FSA goodies to those who stopped by to hear about our Lompoc services! |
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