CommUnify, 5/26/22, Vol. 36

Did you know…

1 in 5 people in Santa Barbara County live at, near, or below the California Poverty Measurement of $35,600 annually for a family of four. *

* Public Policy Institute of California report, Poverty: Just the Facts, July 2021

For 55 years, CommUnify has helped Santa Barbara County’s most vulnerable residents achieve economic security, become self-sufficient, and retain their dignity.

Empowering Sustainable Independence

www.CommUnifySB.org

CommUnify is...

Uniting Our Community Against Poverty Since 1967, CommUnify (formerly Community Action Commission), has worked to improve the lives of Santa Barbara County’s residents who have the greatest need. For thousands of people each year, CommUnify represents the difference between living in uncertainty and living in stability. CommUnify is a nonprofit organization, with a true north and south county commitment, sustained by individual giving, foundation funding, and government grants.

We empower our low-income neighbors to: • • • •

Access education and career opportunities Remain safely in their homes Become self-sufficient Improve financial literacy

• Learn parenting and life skills • Obtain mental health and behavioral wellness support • Create a better future

We are Countywide

24

Head Start and Early Head Start campuses

800

state and local partners

17

programs serving children, adolescents, families, and seniors

300+

people employed

50,000 +

children in our county have been served by Head Start and Early Head Start since 1967

“Head Start is not just for children. It serves multiple generations: children, parents, and guardians.”

LORRAINE NEENAN, DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES

21,505

calls and texts were answered by the 2-1-1 Helpline last year

4,500+

youth ages 6-17 participate in our programs each year

1,353 961

seniors were served by CommUnify programs in 2021

families received assistance with their energy bills, home repairs, and energy-efficiency upgrades

“Being retired and living on a limited income, your Utility Assistance program was a blessing in my time of need. Thank you for being there for me!”

B. FRANKLIN, RETIREE

Poverty is a complex issue...

And having a safety net is critical. If you, or someone you know, need our help, please contact us through the 2-1-1 Helpline, (800) 400-1572; TTY (805)-919-1148. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7 in 150 languages.

CommUnify is good for the whole community, not just the people we serve.

Our 17 Programs: • • • • •

California State Preschool Program Early Head Start (ages 0-3) Head Start (ages 3-5) Adolescent Family Life Planning (AFLP) California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) • Economic Empowerment Program • Family Self-Sufficiency Program • Family Wellness Behavioral Health Services • Health and Life Skills for Teens / Salud y Vida • Los Compadres and Las Comadres Youth Mentoring • New Heights for Transition Aged Youth • Rental Payment Assistance • South Coast Youth Safety Partnership • Seniors Safe at Home • Utility Payment Assistance • Weatherization and Energy Services • 2-1-1 Helpline for Santa Barbara County

We can’t do this vital work without your support.

For more information on how you can support CommUnify, please contact:

development@communifysb.org or call (805) 964-8857, ext. 3

www.CommUnifySB.org Our Offices North County 201 W. Chapel St. Santa Maria, CA 93458

Mid-County 120 W. Chestnut St. Lompoc, CA 93436

Central Administration and South County 5638 Hollister Ave., Suite 230 Goleta, CA 93117

MISSION STATEMENT: In partnership with the community, we provide education and supportive services to residents of Santa Barbara County, resulting in improved economic security and self-sufficiency.