Did you know? SESLOC was formed in 1942 with just $500 in assets. Because of the support from our members and community, we have grown to more than a billion in assets over the last 80 years. To honor this achievement, we’re giving $500 to 80 local nonprofits by the end of 2022 — funds may help support programs or simply offer lunch or a little treat for all of the hard-working staff and volunteers.
We’ve asked our incredible staff to nominate their favorite 501-(c)(3)-designated organizations. Here are the eight groups we’ve selected for December:
Operation Surf
Our mission is to channel the healing powers of the ocean to restore hope, renew purpose, and revitalize community. Operation Surf offers curriculum-based programs aimed to inspire injured military and veterans to seek wellness in all aspects of their lives while providing the necessary resources, tools, and peer-to-peer support to continue this mindset indefinitely. By staying true to our core values of care, inclusion, commitment, integrity, and communication; we change participants’ lives – one wave at a time.
Family Service Agency
Family Service Agency (FSA) programs ensure access to food, shelter, and other basic needs, as well as case management, advocacy and a wide-array of mental health programs to Santa Barbara County residents. They are committed to providing services where they are needed most: in the community. Eighty percent of their services are delivered on school campuses, at community centers and in clients’ homes. Our programs, which serve more than 24,000 people annually, combine clinical expertise, bilingual and bicultural staff, and close collaboration with other agencies.
Northern Santa Barbara United Way
Since 1959, the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way has been serving the people of Santa Maria, Lompoc, and the Santa Ynez Valley as well as the residents of Buellton and Guadalupe. Northern Santa Barbara County United Way builds stronger communities by improving education, financial stability and health — the building blocks for a good quality of life.
Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County
The Assistance League of San Luis Obispo County provides new school clothing to students in need which enhances the educational experience of these students and gives them hope and inspiration for a brighter future. In 2021-2022, they clothed 2,037 students.
Central Coast Vets Helping Vets
Central Coast Veterans Helping Veterans (CCVHV) is organized to assist the estimated 45,000 veterans residing in San Luis Obispo County, Northern Santa Barbara and Southern Monterey Counties. Many of these veterans have encountered a variety of problems in transitioning from military service to a fully productive life as civilians. Programs include home health care, mentorship, and support for those going through veterans court.
Honor Flight Central Coast California
Honor Flight Central Coast California’s mission is to honor all of America’s veterans by taking them to Washington D.C. on their “Tour of Honor” as their guest. Once there, they can visit and reflect at their memorials which have been built to honor their service. So far, they have offered honor flights to over 350 local veterans.
5Cities Homeless Coalition
The 5Cities Homeless Coalition works hard to service families and individuals facing homelessness by providing the resources, support, and hope that they need to become self-sufficient, productive community members.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Northern Santa Barbara County
All children deserve a safe, comfortable place to lay their heads. Those without end up sleeping on couches, blankets, and even floors. This can affect their happiness and health. That’s where Sleep in Heavenly Peace comes in — they’re a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need, with chapters across the country. Since opening applications in May 2022, the Northern Santa Barbara County Chapter has built and delivered 130 beds to local children.
Please consider donating to these worthy organizations. You can check out the organizations we selected in November here, and stay tuned to learn about the next eight nonprofits nominated by our staff in honor of our 80th anniversary.
