LEAP News

May 2025

Para español presione aquí 

A Note from our Executive Director


Dear Lori,


Last week at our first Spanish-language mental wellness workshop, Dr. Gina Vanegas asked participants to share what brought them there. The Zoom filled with stories of anxiety, parenting challenges, and workplace stress. What struck me most wasn't just the depth of need – it was the collective sigh of relief as people realized they weren't alone. In that moment of connection, I saw LEAP's mission in action – meeting our community exactly where they are, especially during times of uncertainty.


We're listening carefully to what our families need and responding with concrete resources, whether that's shifting away from a public monthly food distribution toward a more private emergency pantry, providing practical parenting tools, or simply creating spaces where people can share their concerns. Our commitment to this community isn't rigid – it's responsive. We adjust, we pivot, and we grow alongside those we serve. That's the resilience we hope to model for our children and families.


May is both Mental Health Awareness Month and Teacher Appreciation Month. I hope you will join me in acknowledging the wonderful teachers in your life and in being sensitive to the tremendous mental health challenges so many of us are facing. Thank you for supporting LEAP’s vital, adaptive work. Together, we're helping our community navigate challenging times with compassion and care.




With gratitude,



Lori Lander Goodman

Executive Director

June will be our last food distribution!

In response to an increased need for privacy and safety, we have decided to transition away from public food distributions. We will continue to provide food through our Emergency Food Pantry at our Family Resource Center in Goleta.


Our final two food distributions will be on May 15th and June 19th. Come on out to volunteer or make an appointment to pick up some healthy food!

Building Emotional Resilience


Join us on Wednesday, May 28, for the next session in our wellness series with Dr. Gina Vanegas. This interactive workshop will focus on building emotional strength, managing difficult emotions, and using mindfulness and meditation to calm the mind and support overall well-being.


Date: Wednesday, May 28, 025

Time: 6:30-7:30 PM

Location: Zoom


Sign up here!


Looking for Childcare?

LEAP’s Children’s Center in Lompoc is now enrolling children ages 3 months to 5 years! We are a year-round, full-day program offering a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment. Toddler spots are available immediately, and state-subsidized childcare is available for eligible families.


If you or someone you know is looking for childcare in Lompoc, please contact our Enrollment Specialist at (805) 819-0651 or email Enrollment@LEAPcentralcoast.org


2,784 Diapers Raised for Lompoc!

Huge thanks to St. Mary’s Church in Lompoc for organizing a diaper drive and volunteering to pack every bundle for local families. Together, they collected 2,784 diapers—ready to go out to families across Lompoc!


We’re so excited to keep growing our services in this community—and this is exactly the kind of partnership that makes it possible. To learn more about hosting a diaper drive, email KaraS@LEAPcentralcoast.org

Breakfast with Babies

We had the joy of hosting a couple of our supporters at the Phelps Children’s Center for Breakfast with Babies, giving them a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this place so special.


We’re looking forward to more moments like this—opening our doors and letting people experience, firsthand, the care and intention behind everything we do.

Many Ways to Give

Volunteer


Looking for a hands-on way to help the community? Volunteer at our monthly food distribution in Goleta. To sign up, visit our website.


Become a Monthly Donor


$5, $10, or $25 a month makes a huge impact over time! Your monthly gift ensures a steady stream of resources, allowing us to plan and execute long-term projects and reach more families.


Donate Food or Diapers


Help hungry families by donating shelf stable food to our Emergency Food Pantry. Or donate diapers and wipes to our Diaper Bank so babies stay healthy and dry. Contact 

Emily Duong to drop off these necessary supplies.


STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  Instagram