United Way of Santa Barbara County

Disasters impact everyone, including those caring for our community’s children every day. ⛑️🚨

United Way of Santa Barbara County was proud to partner with Santa Barbara County Education Office Santa Barbara County Sheriff Santa Barbara County Fire Dept at the More Mesa Children’s Center to provide support from licensing, disaster response, and childcare experts to help local childcare providers build their own Emergency Action Plans.

Having a clear and proactive plan to keep children safe in an emergency makes all the difference. Thank you to all who attended the workshop for your dedication to a stronger, more resilient Santa Barbara County. ⛑️

Ready to be a part of their summer?

Join the team for Fun in the Sun ☀️ United Way’s free, award-winning summer learning and enrichment program for students at campuses across Santa Barbara County. Apply today to help students enjoy a full summer of literacy, hands-on STEAM and enrichment activities, field trips, and more.

Positions and more information can be found at www.unitedwaysb.org/employment-opportunities.

Thank You 🎉

The 2026 United Luncheon was a successful celebration of the women who fuel United Way’s work. We’re grateful for all our sponsors who made the gathering possible, our keynote Dr. Emily Jacobs, and all who attended in the spirit of a more united community.

To join Women United, view upcoming events, and learn more about the group, visit unitedwaysb.org/women-united.

You’re Invited!

Join us at the Music Academy for the 2026 United Luncheon. Spend an afternoon with friends old and new to enjoy live music, a stroll in the garden, and an exclusive keynote from award-winning neuroscientist Dr. Emily Jacobs.

Visit www.unitedwaysb.org/United-Luncheon to purchase tickets and sponsorships. Be sure to save your seat soon - capacity is limited.

Thank you to all who participated in the 2025 Holiday Gift Drive!

This year, over 285 local children from local schools and partners across the county sent in their wish lists to United Way. Each of these children and their families was matched with a caring community member like you to fulfill their holiday wants and needs this year, creating an extra special holiday season for hundreds of our neighbors.

Thanks to our outstanding community, nearly 1,200 gifts were delivered to the United Way office to share with local families. This year, volunteers made the season special with gifts like:
New Bicycles
Childrens Books
Toys & Games
New Coats & Shoes
Stuffed Animals and Warm Blankets
Soccer & Basketballs
..and so much more!

Thank you for making holiday magic with us for these children and families.

Your support is at the center of United Way’s impact, building a stronger foundation and brighter future for thousands of our neighbors in need each year. With your help, we are looking forward to another bright year ahead.

Happy Holidays!
The United Way Community Impact Team

MB&T associates love giving back to our community! They had a great time volunteering at the United Way of Santa Barbara County's Red Feather Ball that raised critical funds for educational programs and initiatives. Congratulations on a successful event that will make a huge impact on our community! 👏💙

An evening of gratitude.

United Way of Santa Barbara County welcomed supporters in its Alexis de Tocqueville ($10,000+) and Leadership ($1,000) giving circles for an evening of thanks and recognition at the beautiful .sb. It was an honor to celebrate with our outstanding network as we recognize their impact on the work of United Way and the children and families we serve together. A special privilege to have also recognized Rick Scott and Carolyn Laforce, longstanding supporters of United Way, for the annual Time, Talent, and Treasure award.
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“Our partnership with United Way works so well because it is truly collaborative and grounded in proven strategies for long-term financial stability. United Way is the trusted partner we know we can turn to, helping individuals and families cross the finish line to stability.

This kind of programming works. It is impactful, and it is truly changing lives for members in our community. Thank you for being part of their success story, and for believing in this work and the people who make it possible.”

-Maria Vargas, Guest Speaker, Case Management Partner (Resiliency Grants Program)

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Back to School with ! 📚🎒

and teamed up again this year to facilitate backpack and school supply distribution to students at Franklin Elementary School for the start of the 2025/2026 school year. The drive is part of City National Bank’s longstanding local relationship with United Way which has donated over 1,700 backpacks with school supplies over the course of 10+ years of collaboration.

“It’s been a joy to work with the City National Bank team through this annual Back-to-School Drive,” said Frances Contreras, Director of Programs and Partnerships at United Way. “The generosity of our community makes these opportunities possible for the children and families that we serve together. It’s an honor to be a part of this cycle of local giving and opportunity.”

Congratulations to United Way’s President & CEO Steve Ortiz and Women United Leadership Team member and City National Bank Senior Vice President of Private Banking Amber Ortiz for for their recognition as Pacific Coast Business Times Anniversary 40 Under 40 Allstars!

“They have built distinguished careers rooted in leadership, service, and a deep commitment to the Santa Barbara community, and as the “First Couple” to receive the honor (Amber in 2018 and Steve in 2010), their paths reflect a shared dedication to creating lasting, positive impact through both their professions and community engagement.”