GOLETA — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. celebrated its 55th anniversary as a nonprofit — and 50 years of providing high-quality childcare — at the 2026 LEAP Awards Brunch on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event raised $81,715 to support LEAP’s programs and services for children and families across Santa Barbara County.
“LEAP has always believed that when we bring people together, we can solve big challenges. The diaper drives are proof—students, businesses, churches, and organizations all stepped up. Each diaper collected represents relief for a caregiver and comfort for a child, and we are grateful to everyone who made that possible,” said Lori Goodman, CEO of LEAP.
SANTA BARBARA — With one in two families struggling with diaper need, many parents are forced to skip meals or delay changing diapers to extend their supply. Fortunately, Santa Barbara County and partner nonprofits are working together to spread awareness and help alleviate the growing need for diapers in our community.
On Tuesday, September 16th, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. received a proclamation from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors officially recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week, which takes place from September 15-21, 2025.
“Every donation helps us put diapers in the hands of parents who need them most,” said Lori Goodman, CEO of LEAP. “Together, we can relieve some of the daily stress families face and make sure babies across our county have the healthy start they deserve.”
SANTA MARIA — Caring for a critically ill child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and for too many families, navigating this unimaginable crisis is made even harder by financial strain. No parent should have to choose between paying medical bills and buying diapers. That’s why LEAP: Learn • Engage • Advocate • Partner and Hearts Aligned are strengthening their partnership to make life a little less stressful for such families in the Santa Maria area.
“We are thrilled to recognize these inspiring leaders who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication that LEAP stands for,” said Lori Goodman, Executive Director of LEAP. “Dr. Fitzgibbons, through her exceptional medical leadership and education efforts at Cottage Hospital, and Ernesto Paredes, with his unwavering commitment to accessible transportation and community advocacy, have positively impacted countless lives. Amir Abo-Shaeer, as our Distinguished Alumnus, represents the transformative power of LEAP’s programs, and we are proud to celebrate his journey and contributions.”
GOLETA — Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Lompoc communities raised 11,331 diapers for LEAP’s Diaper Bank during National Diaper Need Awareness Week (NDNAW) from September 23-29, 2024.
The proclamation, introduced by 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann and co-sponsored by 2nd District Supervisor Laura Capps, acknowledges the critical issue of diaper need – the inability to afford enough clean diapers. It highlights the adverse impact this has on the health and well-being of children and families. National surveys conducted by the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) indicate that nearly one in two families struggle with diaper need, with many parents being forced to skip meals or delay changing diapers to extend their supply.
