How many times has a family stared in slack-jawed wonder as the adorable new family dog tears around and around the yard like a caffeinated dervish, joyously destroying absolutely everything in sight? They may be looking at a future Disaster Search Dog in waiting. As National Disaster Search Dog Foundation’s (SDF) Wilma Melville has said (with her usual economy of language) – “These dogs need to work. When left alone in a suburban backyard, they [...more...]
Imagine a kid. He’s your son, and he has big plans. He wants to attend college and launch a startup. He wants to change the world. He always aims high, and he usually succeeds, even [...more...]
Giving List Matching Challenges
Youth Development
FUTURE for Lompoc Youth was born from a passion to empower the next generation of Lompoc residents. Co-founded by Chuck […more…]
When Diego first joined the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County last year, severe separation anxiety made […more…]
The REACH Fellowship is dedicated to serving low-income, first-generation high school students in Santa Barbara County. It combines traditional college […more…]
The Arts
The Santa Barbara Museum of Art has a long-standing tradition of uniting people of all ages through a diverse range […more…]
It was just a year ago last November that the Santa Barbara Symphony first took the stage with a rock […more…]
When Amada Cruz took over as Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s new Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Director and CEO about […more…]
Specialty Compassion Care
On November 12, 2005, Leo’s life changed forever. After he lost consciousness behind the wheel, the then 24-year-old college student’s […more…]
A healthy smile not only provides obvious physical benefits but can boost self-esteem and have a positive life-long impact. On the […more…]
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of communication skills for success in life. It’s something most of us take for […more…]
Homelessness & Housing
Deborah Leigh Stevens, 68, was living on the streets of West Hollywood in 2014, within blocks of her former apartment. […more…]
For more than four decades, PATH has been a beacon of hope and help for people experiencing homelessness in California. […more…]
A man in his 40s with tears in his eyes walked into Santa Barbara’s New Beginnings Counseling Center late one […more…]
Healthcare
In Lompoc, California, where resources are scarce and needs are great, the Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization (LVCHO) has quietly […more…]
Since 1891, Cottage Health has carried out its mission to serve the community by providing healthcare of the highest quality. […more…]
When Abe Lincoln, the executive director of the healthcare clinic Savie Health, gets stressed about running an organization, he sits […more…]
For the Children
Images of Boy Scouts and kids Scouting are as American as apple pie. But beyond those iconic, timeless images is […more…]
Over the past 12 years, the Sonrise Baby Home has saved the lives of more than 450 malnourished, sick, and […more…]
In the first five years of life, a child’s brain will develop to 90% of its capacity, according to the […more…]
Family Well-Being
When Rachael Steidl’s daughter started struggling with depression and anxiety in 9th grade, her good grades, sports, charm, and active […more…]
In a world where the pressures of daily life can feel overwhelming, many families find themselves stretched thin – caring […more…]
Environment
California’s goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2045 can feel daunting and somewhat elusive. The Community Environmental Council (CEC) believes […more…]
Attention all seniors in North County High Schools. Submissions for next year’s opportunity to earn the $5,000 NatureTrack Foundation’s Nancy […more…]
Nine countries, including the United States, possess approximately 12,500 nuclear warheads and are currently spending vast amounts of money maintaining […more…]
Education
Imagine a high school student in the 90th percentile or higher of their class who is enthusiastic about learning and […more…]
When asked why she saved the Santa Barbara Agriculture and Farm Education (SBAFE) Foundation’s farm from development, CEO Leslie Person […more…]
Community Resilience
A hiker in Santa Barbara’s wilderness hasn’t returned home, a biker crashes off the trail, a runner collapses from dehydration, or […more…]
Direct Relief navigates the war zones in Ukraine to deliver cystic fibrosis medications, transports Mpox vaccines to clinics in the […more…]
Animals
For 10 years, The Horse Project has rehomed and rehabilitated rescued horses. Today, with the hard work of passionate volunteers, […more…]
How many times has a family stared in slack-jawed wonder as the adorable new family dog tears around and around […more…]
Dear readers, meet Dinkey, the potbellied pig with one hell of a story. Destined for an early date with the […more…]
Advocacy
Just 26 years old and the mother of three young children, Rhonda Leland found herself behind bars serving a life […more…]
Hillside’s 8th Annual Shining Light on Abilities kicks off on Saturday, December 7th and runs through December 31st at 1235 Veronica Springs Road in Santa Barbara. […more…]
Earlier this fall, the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County (LAFSBC) marked its 65th anniversary with an early evening […more…]