A Note from our Executive Director

Dear Lori,

I cry when I watch the news. Most days, it feels like our world is a mess. It’s overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel hopeless. What is there to do in the face of such misery and hate? My answer is to do what I can. 

Today, I noticed a teacher hug a student. Today, I watched a father laugh as he danced with his daughter. Today, I heard a client thank a family advocate for helping her learn about how to manage her finances and start saving. Today, I felt gratitude for the community of caring LEAP creates. 

We must do what we can to be human. We can notice where there is joy, where there is humanity, and where there is hope – and then take action to make our community a little more caring. 

Our LEAP honorees, Katya Armistead and Kristen Miller are people who act to make things in their sphere better. Whether it is caring for UCSB students, volunteering, or teaching the next generation of nonprofit leaders (Katya), or advocating for a robust economy and seeking housing and childcare solutions for a vibrant workforce (Kristen), Katya and Kristen bring humanity to making our community better. I hope you will join me in honoring them on LEAP day: February 29. Our event is free and virtual. RSVP here. 

Next week is Thanksgiving. No matter how you celebrate, I hope you will take a moment to notice the places where we can create joy and care for one another. In a world where it can be so hard to find humanity, strive to be human.

Lori Goodman

Executive Director