Tag: United Way of Santa Barbara County

December’s UCSB Arts & Lectures Holiday Shows to Participate in United Way of Santa Barbara County Holiday Gift Drive

SANTA BARBARA — UCSB Arts & Lectures and United Way of Santa Barbara County are teaming up this holiday season to help you provide gifts for young people in need. 

Audiences for Arts & Lectures’ two big holiday shows –Mariachi Sol de México in José Hernández’ Merry-Achi Christmas at the Arlington Theatre on December 6 andSamara Joy’s A Joyful Holiday at The Granada Theatre on December 8 – are invited to donate to United Way’s annual Holiday Gift Drive. Tickets to both shows are available now from UCSB Arts & Lectures (805) 893-3535 and via the Arlington and Granada box offices. 

United Way’s Fun in the Sun program opens enrollment for summer

Enrollment is now open for United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun — a free six-week summer learning program that provides academic and reading practice, hands-on STEAM activities, field trips and other enrichment activities for more than 400 current 2nd-5th graders.

This year’s program will continue at all six sites in Santa Barbara County, including Franklin Elementary, McKinley Elementary, Hollister Elementary and Aliso Elementary in South County. Santa Ynez Elementary and Mary Buren Elementary will serve students in North County. 

Bilingual report — United Way of Santa Barbara County and the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara Partner Up for VITA Program

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) partner up to provide helpful services & resources to residents throughout Santa Barbara County for tax season. Tax season is here and low to moderate income Santa Barbara County residents are invited to take advantage of putting more money back in their pockets with the help of UWSBC’s and HACSB’s  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. 

HACSB started the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for Housing Authority clients twenty years ago in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Approximately thirteen years ago, HACSB partnered with UWSBC and formed the Financial Empowerment Partnership. Since UWSBC took over the management of the program, the two organizations have worked together to broaden its impact, serving more residents countywide. Since inception, the program has grown to seven VITA sites and ten community partners: Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara, United Way Santa Barbara County, AARP, UC Santa Barbara, Immigrant Hope, People Helping People, Carpinteria Children’s Project, Santa Barbara Public Library, County of Santa Barbara and John Burton Advocates for Youth (JBAY). 

May 18 — United Way of Santa Barbara County to present Women United Derby Luncheon

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Women United Derby Luncheon will be on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 11:30-1:30 PM at the Plaza de Sol, Hilton Santa Barbara (633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103).

This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Beate Chelette. Beate is the Growth Architect and founder of The Women’s Code, a strategic business and balanced leadership development company.

Sept. 23 — United Way of Santa Barbara County — Red Feather Ball Voyage to Marrakesh

United Way of Santa Barbara County is proud to present the 25th annual Red Feather Ball at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at the Montecito Club, Santa Barbara, CA (920 Summit Rd, Santa Barbara

This fall, invited guests and friends will be taking A Voyage to Marrakesh, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Moroccan city from the comfort of our own backyard. Guests are invited to join United Way for an evening of celebration; looking back at a successful year of community-building and forward to brighter futures for the students and families that we serve. The event will include a seated dinner and program, followed by music and dancing.

United Way of Santa Barbara County Partners with Housing Authority for United Learning Center – GRAD Academy

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWBSC) partners with the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB) for United Learning Center – GRAD Academy. This partnership will transition students who previously attended the Housing Authority’s GRAD Academy after school program to United Way’s long standing United Learning Center programming.

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun (FITS) and Early Learning Success Institutes (ELSI) Programs Kick off to Address Pandemic-related Learning Loss

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun (FITS) and Early Learning Success Institutes (ELSI) summer programs have launched to address pandemic-related learning loss for Santa Barbara County’s most financially and academically at-risk students and their families. Both of these programs are managed in direct partnership with school districts to help improve the academic results of students across the County.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the globe face learning loss not experienced in modern history. The stakes are especially high for students in their elementary school years. If these students are unable to close the learning gap, they face substantial future difficulty graduating high school.

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan Renews Commitment to School Readiness/Achievement and Financial Empowerment–Formalizes Focus on Crisis Response and Recovery Work

United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has released its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan for moving forward in a rapidly-changing landscape.  

Through this plan, UWSBC renews its decades-long commitment to two programmatic focus areas – School Readiness and Academic Achievement, and Financial Empowerment. Additionally, the plan commits UWSBC to a new programmatic focus area – Response and Recovery in Times of Community Crisis. This recognizes that in recent years UWSBC programs and strategies have become important components of Santa Barbara County’s disaster response and recovery infrastructure. 

United Way Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative Supported Over 600 Students with Safe “in Classroom Learning” During the Pandemic

With schools reopening, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Learning & Enrichment Centers Collaborative (LECC) has come to an end after helping over 600 students throughout Santa Barbara County. Students referred by school districts came from three high-need target populations: homeless and foster youth, children from low-resource families and children of educators. 

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center Partners with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Fun in the Sun Summer

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center has expanded its partnership with United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun (FITS) to implement a Healthy Living Program. This partnershipeducates and promotes healthy living and lifestyle in FITS participants grades 2nd through 12th.  

FITS is a free six-week program that addresses summer learning loss and pandemic-related learning loss through hands-on, project-based lessons, utilizing the best services and ideas from 80+ local public and private organizations. Students engage in academic rotations focused on literacy and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) as well as participate in social, emotional and mental wellness activities.

Additional COVID-19 Rental Assistance Funds Available through United Way of Santa Barbara County

In the continuing effort to financially support individuals and families who have been financially impacted by COVID-19, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is partnering with the County of Santa Barbara to offer rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families– the grants pertain to those living in Solvang, Buellton, Carpinteria and Guadalupe as well as those living in unincorporated areas of the County (listed below). There is a total of $890k available for eligible applicants who must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by the County of Santa Barbara through federal CDBG grants. 

$1.3 Million in Rental Assistance Still Available for SB County Residents Through United Way of Santa Barbara County

In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, United Way is offering rental assistance grants to eligible individuals and families living in unincorporated areas. Eligible applicants must meet specific requirements. The funds were made possible by the County of Santa Barbara through federal grants received from the CARES Act. 

The funding comes from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which gave Santa Barbara County a total of about $46 million in funding. 

United Way of Santa Barbara County Will Distribute $2.6 Million of CARES Act Funding

In partnership with the County of Santa Barbara, the City of Santa Barbara, and the City of Goleta, United Way of Santa Barbara County is offering rental assistance and other disaster response grants to eligible individuals and families. The funds were through federal grants received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). 

In total, $2.6 million has been awarded to United Way to manage and provide emergency rental assistance grants and other disaster response funding to our county’s most vulnerable individuals and families.  

United Way of Santa Barbara County Delivers Impactful Virtual Fun in the Sun Program in Light of COVID-19

Thanks to the generosity of over 50 funding partners and service delivery partners, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun program has the capacity to support up to 350 children and families this year through a virtual format in light of COVID-19. Seven virtual sites are serving students from Carpinteria Unified School District, Santa Barbara Unified School District (4 school sites instead of its usual 2 school sites), Goleta Union School District, and school districts throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. 

Increased Financial Help Arrives for Thousands of Vulnerable Individuals and Families in Santa Barbara County through COVID-19 Joint Response Effort

United Way of Santa Barbara County announced on June 1 that thanks to their generous supporters, the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County, has secured more than $1.2 million to provide ongoing support for individuals and families in need through Individual Assistance Grants. To date, more than 800 households (representing 2,600 individuals) have received much-needed relief funds. Hundreds more households will receive support in the coming weeks. Paying rent and covering basic needs remain the top concerns for the thousands of residents who have lost employment. In addition, 94 local nonprofit organizations have received grants totaling more than $1.3 million to also help them meet immediate and near-term community needs.

Emergency Child Care Initiative serving additional essential workforce categories

The Emergency Child Care Initiative (ECCI) was established to provide members of the essential workforce with affordable child care options to allow them to continue working in roles that are critical to our local COVID-19 response. Since ECCI was launched in early April, child care programs have been established serving most major health care providers throughout the county, including Cottage Health, Sansum Clinic, Lompoc Valley Medical, and the Community Health Centers of the Central Coast. With those programs firmly established, the Initiative is now shifting attention to other members of the essential workforce. This includes employees in food service, grocery industry, farm workers and agricultural production, nursing homes, sanitation, and other essential workforce professions. Children ages 6 months to 12 years will be prioritized.

Vulnerable Individuals and Families in Santa Barbara County Assisted through COVID-19 Joint Response Effort; also Supports Nonprofits Assisting Those Impacted by Virus

United Way of Santa Barbara County, The Santa Barbara Foundation and the Hutton Parker Foundation are leading a countywide funders’ collaborative, the COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County.  The Effort will provide assistance to individuals and families as well as organizations actively assisting members of the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over $2 million has been secured and fundraising continues to help those most in need.

COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County Expanded Over $1 Million in Support Pledged to Relief Efforts

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — The Santa Barbara Foundation, United Way of Santa Barbara County, and the Hutton Parker Foundation are leading a countywide funders’ collaborative with members of the Foundation Roundtable. This COVID-19 Joint Response Effort for Santa Barbara County…

VITA tax assistance sites offer free bi-lingual tax return prep and filing for individuals/families earning less than $56,000

SANTA BARBARA —  As we head into tax season, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) will be providing  free income tax return preparation and E-Filing to help residents receive their tax refunds at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) locations…

96th Annual Awards Celebration Gives United Way of Santa Barbara County an Opportunity to Recognize Community Heroes

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) and its  partners from throughout the community gathered for the 96th Annual Awards Celebration May 8th at the Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort. Local volunteers, businesses, schools, and organizations were…

Community Partners to be Honored May 8 at United Way of Santa Barbara County’s 96th Annual Awards Celebration

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has announced the nominees for their 96th Annual Awards Celebration, taking place May 8th at the Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort. Local volunteers, businesses, schools, and organizations will be recognized…

May 8 — United Way SBC’s 2019 Annual Awards

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — United Way of Santa Barbara County will honor the outstanding organizations and individuals who make its community programs and activities possible at the 96th Annual Awards Celebration. Local volunteers, businesses, schools, and organizations will be recognized…

For the Love of Books; United Way’s Young Leaders Society Shares Passion for Reading with Local Students

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Young Leaders Society (YLS) shared their love for books during visits to Franklin and El Camino elementary schools as part of the United We Read volunteer event on March 1.…

United Way Seeks Volunteers for Income Tax Assistance Program

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) is recruiting volunteers to help local families and individuals prepare their tax returns and practice financial responsibility as part of its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Volunteer training…

Nov. 9 — United Way Young Leaders Society Presents United We Bowl Fundraiser

SANTA BARBARA — Bowlers can bring their “A-game” and help put books into students’ hands Nov. 9 at the 9th Annual “United We Bowl,” the Young Leaders Society’s (YLS) fundraiser for United Way of Santa Barbara County’s literacy programs. The…

Oct. 5 — United Way Honors Volentine Family Foundation During 22nd Annual Red Feather Ball

SANTA BARBARA — Join the community and United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) in supporting the organization’s youth education programs at the 22nd Annual Red Feather Ball Oct. 5 at the Four Seasons Biltmore. Taking place 6-10 p.m. Friday…

Volunteers Needed for United Way Day of Caring Sept. 15

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) 27th Annual Day of Caring is coming Saturday Sept. 15 with more than 49 community projects for volunteers, including a special Montecito clean-up and rebuild. Individuals and teams can sign…

United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Funding Assists Easy Lift

SANTA BARBARA — Long before the storm hit Santa Barbara early January, Easy Lift drivers were already working around the clock helping residents, including the elderly, evacuate their homes. With the help of the Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management,…

United Way of SB County currently accepting Community Projects for Day of Caring Volunteers

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County is asking charitable organizations, schools, churches and community centers in need of some elbow grease to register as a project site for the 27th Annual Day of Caring on Sept. 15.…

Applause for Paws: United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund Supports Search Dogs Efforts in Mudslides

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation one of 18 Local Organizations to Receive Financial Support from Fund CENTRAL COAST — Among the heroes braving the Montecito mudslides in January were 18 teams from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF), the…

United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund Receives $200,000 from Jack Johnson Benefit Concert

CENTRAL COAST — The Jack Johnson and Friends, a Benefit for the Community, concert has raised $200,000 for the United Way Thomas and Fire Flood Fund, with 100 percent of the donations going to support those in communities affected by the…

Women United Launches Philanthropic Support and Advocacy Efforts for United Way Education Programs

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) introduced the new Santa Barbara group of Women United during a sold out luncheon Monday, emphasizing the group’s role in supporting youth education programs. Held at the Hotel Californian, the…

United Way of Santa Barbara County Distributes $500,000 to Support Thomas Fire and Flood Recovery Efforts

SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) announced Feb. 16 that its Long Term Recovery Committee has selected 16 Santa Barbara County agencies to receive phase one funding from the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund, a…

‘Music for Healing and the Community’ Concert Raised $32K for Local Flood Victims

SANTA BARBARA — The Santa Barbara Symphony, Montecito Bank & Trust and Santa Barbara Center for the Performing Arts partnered to raise and contribute $32,000 to United Way of Santa Barbara County for flood disaster relief with a free community…

Feb. 26 — Women United group launch

SANTA BARBARA — Women United is a global network of women leaders dedicated to creating a world of opportunity for everyone through United Way partnerships and initiatives. Locally, Women United will increase philanthropic support and spearhead advocacy efforts for programs…

United Way Thomas Fire Fund Gets Foundation, Corporate and Individual Support from Across the Country and Locally—$2.25 Million to Date

CENTRAL COAST — In response to an outpouring of support, United Way of Santa Barbara County and United Way of Ventura County have established a joint fund to directly support those individuals and families affected by the fire in both…

United Way’s 21st Annual Red Feather Ball Most Successful in Event’s History

SANTA BARBARA — Thanks to generous donors and supporters, United Way of Santa Barbara County‘s (UWSBC) 21st Annual Red Feather Ball raised nearly $300,000, the most in event history. The funds will benefit the nonprofit’s award-winning Fun in the Sun…

Nov. 10 — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Young Leaders Society Presents the 8th Annual United We Bowl

SANTA BARBARA — Join United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) by heading down to the lanes Nov. 10 for the Young Leaders Society’s (YLS) 8th Annual “United We Bowl” fundraiser to have fun bowling in kooky costumes in support…

Local Collaborative Encourages Transition from “Learning to Read” to “Reading to Learn” for Third Graders

Campaign for Grade Level Reading Kickoff to be held Sept. 28 SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County and its partners are proud to introduce a new local collaborative, the Campaign for Grade Level Reading. This local partnership…

‘Back to School Drive’ Drops Off Back to School Items at Franklin Elementary

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Franklin Elementary School students grinned and giggled as City National Bank and United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) staff recently outfitted them with backpacks and classroom supplies to get them ready for the new school…

Oct. 6 — United Way of Santa Barbara County to present 21st Annual Red Feather Ball

SANTA BARBARA — Dance the night away at United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) 21st Annual Red Feather Ball on Oct. 6 to benefit the nonprofit’s award-winning Fun in the Sun summer enrichment program and United for Literacy initiative. The…

Joined for a Solution: United Way of SB Thanks Supporters at 94th Annual Awards Ceremony

Santa Barbara County — Yessica Arroyo was struggling in school the first time she walked into United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Fun in the Sun summer learning program as a young camper. But as program staff and volunteers cheered her…

Montecito Bank & Trust CEO Joins United Way of SB’s Young Leaders Society for Inaugural Leadership Series beginning June 15

Event designed to encourage purpose-driven leadership in the Santa Barbara community SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) will welcome Montecito Bank & Trust Chairman & CEO Janet Garufis on June 15 to its…

Lawn Bowling for Dollars: United Way of SB County’s Young Leaders Society Raises Funds for Youth Book Program

Event proceeds benefit Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides children ages 0-5 with a book a month. CENTRAL COAST — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Young Leaders Society and the community recently took to the green for the inaugural United…

May 24 — United Way of Santa Barbara County Hosts 94th Annual Awards Celebration

Awards Honor Outstanding Efforts of Individuals and Organizations in the Santa Barbara Community SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) will honor the outstanding organizations and individuals who make possible United Way’s community programs and activities at its…

United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Young Leaders Society Share Joys of Reading with Local Elementary Schools

CENTRAL COAST — United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Young Leaders Society (YLS) visited Franklin and El Camino Elementary Schools to share a passion for reading and donate books and funds to both campuses as part of the United We…

Members of Young Leaders Society Raise $4,000 for United Way of Santa Barbara County Programs

SANTA BARBARA — Recently, members of United Way of Santa Barbara County’s (UWSBC) Young Leaders Society (YLS) bowled the night away at Zodo’s Bowling & Beyond for the 7th Annual United We Bowl event. 96 YLS members participated in a challenge…

United Way of Santa Barbara County Hosts 20th Annual Red Feather Ball

SANTA BARBARA — On Saturday, October 15, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) celebrated its 20th Annual Red Feather Ball at the Four Seasons Biltmore Coral Casino in Santa Barbara. 280 guests enjoyed the fabulous autumn seaside soiree that included cocktails, silent bidding, dinner,…

Support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Enter to Win V.I.P. Tickets to See Dolly Parton at the Santa Barbara Bowl

United Way of Santa Barbara County Program Ensures Children Ages 0-5 Have Access to Books SANTA BARBARA – In support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, United Way of Santa Barbara County is raffling an exclusive V.I.P package to Dolly Parton’s…

Local news briefs

SANTA BARBARA — The United Way of Santa Barbara County is seeking volunteers for its 23rd annual Day of Caring to be held Saturday, Sept. 20, the organization reported in a media release. Throughout the day volunteers will help more…

Time to gather your information before April 15 tax day

Free preparation service available for low-, moderate-income earners By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 The hours are ticking away until midnight Monday, April 15. So where are you in the preparation of your 2012 tax return? Yes, some overly ambitious souls…