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LEAP News

January 2025

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A Note from our Executive Director


Dear Lori,


Recently at our Lompoc Children's Center ribbon cutting, I watched the faces in the crowd - longtime supporters, new community members, elected officials, and dedicated staff. In that moment, I saw what resilience really looks like. It's not just about being strong individually; it's about the web of relationships we weave together, holding our community strong. 


As we enter 2025, we know there will be changes and uncertainty ahead. But I've learned something important in my years at LEAP - when we nurture our relationships and build trust with each other, we create the foundation for resilience. It's true for our children, who grow confident through caring teachers. It's true for our families, who find strength through connections with our family advocates and each other. And it's true for LEAP itself - we are resilient because of the trust you, our community, place in us. 


In the year ahead, we'll strengthen these bonds in exciting new ways. Soon we'll welcome our first children into our Lompoc Children's Center, expanding our impact to serve more families. We're growing our diaper bank county-wide, knowing that every connection builds community. And we'll continue listening deeply to our community, ready to respond to needs as they emerge - because that's what trusted partners do. 


Thank you for being part of our LEAP family. Together, we make our community stronger, more resilient, and more joyful. 


Warmly,



Lori Lander Goodman

Executive Director

The LEAP Awards are coming!


On March 13th, we'll honor two outstanding community change-makers at our LEAP Awards: Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons and Ernesto Paredes. We'll also honor our 2025 Distinguished Alumnus, Amir Abo-Shaeer!


Date: Thursday, March 13th, 2025

Time: 4-5pm

Free & Virtual event


To join us in celebration of Lynn, Ernesto, and Amir, click here to RSVP.


We made the LEAP to Lompoc!


On December 5th, we held the ribbon cutting for our brand-new child care center in Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Lompoc. Thank you to Travis Caldeira, State Senator Monique Limón, Joan Hartmann, Jeremy Ball, and Esmeralda Estrada for helping us celebrate.


Our new center will serve 52 children annually, ranging from 3 months to 5 years. We look forward to welcoming students in 2025! 

Mylestone BBQ Diaper Drive


Wow, we are blown away by the success of Mylestone BBQ’s Diaper Drive for LEAP! A huge thank you to Mylestone BBQ, Draughtsmen Aleworks, and all of you for making this such a wonderful event.


Our incredible community helped us collect an astounding 2,222 diapers to help keep babies healthy and dry.




Staff spotlight: Matthew Matta


“What I enjoy most about cooking for the kids at the Children’s Center is having the opportunity to create memories through food. To me, the greatest reward is knowing that we are able to provide healthy, nutritious meals to each child that walks through the door.”- Chef Matthew


Every school day, Matthew and his team prepare over 400 nourishing, in-house meals for all children and staff, filling our Phelps kitchen and center with the warm scents of a homemade meal. Thank you for your hard work, Chef Matthew!

Many Ways to Give

Volunteer


Looking for a hands-on way to help the community? Volunteer at our monthly food distribution in Goleta. To sign up, visit our website.


Become a Monthly Donor


$5, $10, or $25 a month makes a huge impact over time! Your monthly gift ensures a steady stream of resources, allowing us to plan and execute long-term projects and reach more families.


Donate Food or Diapers


Help hungry families by donating shelf stable food to our Emergency Food Pantry. Or donate diapers and wipes to our Diaper Bank so babies stay healthy and dry. Contact 

Emily Duong to drop off these necessary supplies.


Donate
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