LEAP News

April 2026

Para español presione aquí 

A Note from Our CEO


Greetings!


April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. It's serious, important work - preventing child abuse. But here's what I've learned: prevention isn't always dramatic or obvious. Often, it's quiet. It's daily. It's relational.


At LEAP, we practice what's called "primary prevention" - we work to keep abuse from happening in the first place. How do we do that? We strengthen the bonds between children and the adults who care for them. We reduce family stress by connecting parents to resources they need. We create environments where children feel safe enough to use their voices, where parents feel supported enough to ask for help.


It turns out that positive experiences - feeling loved, feeling safe, feeling like you belong - are powerful protectors. Research shows that children who experience consistent, caring relationships are more resilient in the face of adversity. They're buffered against trauma.


That's what we're building at LEAP, every single day. Safe classrooms where children learn to manage big emotions. Trusted relationships where families can be vulnerable. A community where people belong.


This April - and every month - you can be part of prevention too. Ask a child a question and really listen to their answer. Reach out to a parent who might need support. Celebrate and nurture the healthy relationships in your life.


Prevention happens one relationship at a time.





Warmly,



Lori Lander Goodman

Chief Executive Officer

Every Child Deserves a Safe and Nurturing Start

April is Child Abuse Prevention Montha reminder that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. 


At LEAP, we’re proud to support families every day. Our Family Resource Center provides parents and caregivers with the tools, resources, and connections to thrive, while our Children’s Center offers a welcoming space where children can learn, grow, and flourish.

Teen Financial Literacy Webinar

To register, call Ana Maya at (805) 869-3303.


LEAP is launching a new financial literacy webinar series for youth ages 12–17 in collaboration with Bank of America. This 4-part series will cover practical topics like budgeting, banking, credit, and preparing for college and a first job—helping teens build confidence and make informed financial decisions early.


Dates: May 6, 13, 20, 27

Time: 6:30–8:00 PM

The webinar will be in English with simultaneous Spanish interpretation

Teen Community Service Day

Make a difference. Earn your hours. Build Your Future.


Date: April 11 & May 9

Time: 9 am-1 pm


Calling local high schoolers to join us for a wonderful volunteer opportunity at our Children's Center! Gain hands-on experience and help create welcoming environments where students can learn and explore nature. We hope to see you there!

Spreading HOPE

Our job at LEAP is to nurture and to create opportunities for joy and belonging. For 55 years, this has guided our work. Today, research helps explain why it matters. It’s called the HOPE framework! The idea is simple but powerful: positive relationships, nurturing environments, opportunities for engagement, and emotional growth and belonging can help counteract the effects of adversity and trauma.

Many Ways to Give

Volunteer


Looking for a hands-on way to help the community? Visit our volunteer page for the latest opportunities


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 Ana Maya to drop off these necessary supplies.


STAY CONNECTED
Facebook  Instagram