Passport to Success:

Belonging

Get ready for Santa Maria’s annual fundraiser, Passport to Success: Belonging, returning this fall. This year’s theme centers on a simple but powerful truth: everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, connected, and accepted without judgment.

Belonging is about more than simply being included. It’s about knowing your voice matters, feeling supported for who you are, and having people beside you through life’s challenges and successes alike. Every day, Santa Maria works to create spaces where program participants feel encouraged, connected, and supported as they work toward their educational, financial, and health goals. This year’s event will celebrate that spirit of belonging and the community that helps make it possible.

Join us on Saturday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Western Hills Country Club for an uplifting morning filled with connection, compassion, and community. Following the warm response to last year’s event, brunch will once again be part of the celebration.

We’re also excited to welcome back WCPO’s Lauren Minor as emcee and to feature beloved Cincinnati community member Teddy Kremer as our keynote speaker. Teddy’s joyful spirit and advocacy for inclusion reflect the heart of this year’s theme as he shares his experiences finding his sense of belonging.

Guests will enjoy meaningful stories, exciting raffles, and a silent auction, all while helping support families in Greater Price Hill as they work toward stronger, self-sustaining futures.

Tickets are on sale now, ranging from $75 to $95.

Reserve your seat today before seats sell out!

A Legacy of Quiet Giving

Marilyn Maag was a longtime friend, supporter, and former Board member of Santa Maria Community Services. Those who knew her remember her thoughtful leadership, practical wisdom, and deep care for Price Hill families.

During her time on Santa Maria’s Board, Marilyn helped establish the Endowment Fund because she believed in planning for the future. Later, through a generous bequest, she continued that commitment in a deeply meaningful way.

Marilyn gave quietly, with the same care and purpose she brought to her service. Her legacy now helps ensure that future generations of families can find support, opportunity, and a community walking beside them.



Read Marilyn’s full story and learn how her values continue to live on through Santa Maria.

Back to School already?

Back-to-school season is almost here, and Santa Maria is here to help families get ready.

Join us for Back-to-School Fest on Saturday, August 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at ARCO Cincy in East Price Hill. Families can stop by for free backpacks, school supplies, fresh produce, lunch, and help with Cincinnati Public Schools registration.

This free event is a simple way for families to gather what they need, ask questions, and feel supported as a new school year begins. Together, we’ll help our young learners start the year feeling prepared, encouraged, and ready to grow.

Thank you to the Apartment Association Outreach, Inc., Cincy-Cinco, and Humana for sponsoring this awesome event.

Support Santa Maria, just by shopping at Kroger!

You can support Santa Maria Community Services at no cost to you through Kroger’s Community Rewards program.

If you have a Kroger Plus Card, you can choose Santa Maria as your Community Rewards organization, and Kroger will donate a portion of eligible purchases back to Santa Maria. Signing up is free, and your rewards donation does not affect your fuel points or savings.

To enroll, sign in to your Kroger account or create one for free. Then visit Kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards and search for “Santa Maria” or “FE571.” Click “enroll,” and you’re all set!

It’s a simple way to help Price Hill families while shopping for the groceries you already buy.

Thank you to our

2026 Passport to Success

Ambassador Sponsor

&

Jet Setter Sponsors

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About Santa Maria: Santa Maria Community Services provides essential support to families, offering programs in early childhood development, education advancement, employment assistance, financial stability, youth development, and health and wellness, as well as other supportive services. We empower families to achieve their goals and break the cycles of generational poverty through tailored coaching, resources, and advocacy. Our mission is to be a catalyst and advocate for Greater Price Hill families to attain their educational, financial, and health goals. Our vision is for Greater Price Hill to be a vibrant, thriving, and self-sustaining community.