We all need help sometimes

LEAP News

September 2023

A Note from our Executive Director

Dear Lori,

One thing I’ve learned in my leadership journey is that there is no better feeling than knowing people have got my back. Like many people, it can be hard for me to accept help. I like to be the helper. But all of us face times in life where we need support. It’s a great feeling to be held firm by community.

At LEAP, we strive to be that community of care for our students, our families, and one another. Recently, I have been the one needing help from LEAP. I’m trying to help my aging father access benefits. The process is confusing, overwhelming, and full of contradictions. If it’s hard for me, I can only imagine how difficult it is for someone who doesn’t speak English fluently or has trouble using a computer.

Words cannot express how grateful I am to have our Family Resource Center helping me and my dad, advocating for us, and supporting us. When we receive a donation or notice of a grant award, we feel that you have our backs – and it feels great! Thank you for joining me and joining LEAP in creating a caring, resilient community for all of Santa Barbara County.

Lori Goodman

Executive Director

Maria Barrera is one of our Children's Center Teachers, and she's been with LEAP for over 17 years! Click the short video above to hear her story and what it's like working at LEAP.

Why I love LEAP

"There are so many things that I love about LEAP. At the top of the list is LEAP’s commitment to addressing systemic barriers, and working towards dismantling systemic barriers, that impact children and families.

I became a monthly donor because I believe in the mission and the team at LEAP and want to do my part to support an organization that provides vital and life-changing services for our community such as childcare and education programs, parenting workshops, and monthly food distribution.

It is extremely easy to become a monthly donor! If donating online isn’t possible for someone, the fabulous Development Team at LEAP is available to assist!"

Angie Swanson-Kyriaco

Monthly Diaper Bank Donor and LEAP Board Member

We Reached our Fundraising Goal!

Thank you to everyone who donated to our Diaper Bank during Diaper Need Awareness Week! We exceeded our $1000 fundraising goal and collected dozens of diapers and wipes from our Diaper Drive box at Old Town Coffee. Your support ensures our Diaper Bank will be fully stocked for our families.

Read the full article from the Santa Barbara Independent here

Our Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator, America's top charity evaluator, has awarded us the coveted 4-star rating! This signifies our exceptional dedication to financial responsibility and accountability. We are proud to be your trusted partner in serving families across Santa Barbara County, and we look forward to continuing our mission of making a positive impact in our community for years to come.

Read more here.

Get Involved with LEAP

LEAP needs your support as we work hard to support our community. Please consider a donation to LEAP’s General Donation Fund to help us continue to provide the caring, proactive and flexible support our community needs.

Be a diaper champion by sponsoring the cost of diapers for local families. Diapers are one of the most consistent requests from our families at our FRC. Disposable diapers can cost as much as $100 per month per baby so every contribution makes a big difference.

Support the diaper bank today!

Have you voted for us through Target Circle? If not, there’s still time! See how you can help direct Target’s giving to benefit our organization and the community.

Visit target.com/circle to learn more and vote.