St. Vincent's Santa Barbara

Today, 5 car seats and a stroller found their way into the hands of families who needed them most.

What makes this story so special is that it did not happen because of one organization. It happened because a community came together.

When CASA of Santa Barbara County reached out on behalf of families facing significant challenges, including poverty and homelessness, our team listened. Through the generosity of donors who support CRR’s Heart to Home Resource Closet, we were able to purchase and provide the items these children needed to travel safely to appointments, school, child care, and everyday activities.

The photo may show car seats and a stroller, but the real story is hope, dignity, safety, and partnership.

We are grateful for community partners like CASA who work tirelessly every day to advocate for children and families. Together, organizations across Santa Barbara County accomplish far more than any one of us could alone. When agencies collaborate, resources stretch further, barriers come down, and children receive the support they deserve.

What many people do not realize is that every item distributed through the Heart to Home Resource Closet is made possible through community support. From diapers and clothing to car seats, cribs, and emergency essentials, these resources are available because people choose to invest in children and families when they need it most.

CRR holds just one fundraising event each year dedicated to supporting the Heart to Home Resource Closet.

Join us for Party with a Purpose on September 12 and help ensure stories like this continue to happen across Santa Barbara County.

Every ticket purchased helps provide essential items, emergency support, and a stronger safety net for children and families facing difficult circumstances.

Great music. Great food. Greater impact. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/crrs-party-with-a-purpose-benefit-concert-featuring-bullfrogg-blues-band-tickets-1989106697678?aff=oddtdtcreator

Together, we can make sure the next call for help receives the same answer: “Yes, we can help.” ❤️

Our Weekend Nutrition Program at the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center just packed its first round of high-nutrition weekend take-away bags. 💙

This program was born from listening. Our members needed support to get through the weekend when our center is closed. Sr. Maria stepped up, secured a full year of funding, and brought together an extraordinary group of volunteers—Ladies of Charity and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—to make it happen.

Each bag was built with food market-tested by our members. The items they actually want and need. The response said it all: "Wow, this is a good to-go lunch." "Thank you so much, this will last me all weekend."

Our CEO Rosa greeted everyone, and Sr. Maria packed bags alongside volunteers. Two faiths, one mission.

Thank you to our volunteers, partners, and the generous supporter who made this possible. 💙

Want to get involved?

https://frvirgilcordanocenter.org/volunteer/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=volunteer&utm_id=FCC

Sunshine, coffee, community, and 200 handwritten notes. ☀️✍️ This weekend, some of our League members and supporters gathered for WEV's annual Post-Scripting Party, adding personal messages to our freshly printed 2025 Impact Reports.

It's a small tradition with a big impact. Every note is a reminder that women's economic empowerment isn't powered by programs alone, it's powered by people who believe in creating opportunity, financial security, and brighter futures.

Thank you to everyone who donated their time and handwriting to help our impact report reach hearts, not just mailboxes.

📊 Read the full 2025 Impact Report - link below 💙
https://www.wevonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WEV-2025-Impact-Report.pdf

Susana consistently goes above and beyond for those we serve, finding creative solutions and treating every client with dignity and compassion. Thank you, Susana, for embodying our Vincentian values and making a meaningful difference in our community. 👏✨

Hello June!

A new month is here and it is a fresh reminder to move through life with kindness toward yourself and others. Small steps matter, rest is important, and healing takes time.

Be gentle with yourself this month. You deserve peace, growth, and moments of joy along the way. 💜

Earlier this month, the girls at Girls Inc. Santa Barbara ran their own farmers' market.
They learned how to set up a stand, talk to customers, and move produce. They learned what it feels like to be the ones doing the giving.
Veggie Rescue was proud to donate the produce that made it happen — fresh food that fed the community and gave a group of young women something to be proud of.
This is what food rescue looks like when it grows in every direction.
📷

Receiving the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year award in Sacramento was an unforgettable honor.

But this photo tells the deeper story.

CRR’s Senior Leadership Team represents nearly 90 years of combined service at CRR.

90 years of believing in our mission.
90 years of believing in children and families.
90 years of believing in the people we serve.
90 years of believing that strong communities change lives.

This recognition belongs to every team member, board member, volunteer, partner, and supporter who has helped make this impact possible.

The award may have our organization’s name on it, but it reflects the hearts, dedication, and commitment of the people behind the mission.

Thank you for believing in the work. ❤️

LeadershipMatters

Fewer than 10% of childcare programs in the country earn accreditation from NAEYC — the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Their standards go far beyond the classroom, covering curriculum, teacher qualifications, family partnerships, and a formal code of ethics for every decision made in a child's interest. 💛

St. Vincent's holds it across three program areas. Not because the state requires it. Because we believe the first five years of a child's life are the foundation for everything — for that child, their family, and the community we all share.

https://www.stvincents-sb.org/every-day-every-child-how-st-vincents-early-childhood-education-center-goes-beyond-the-standard/