Jamie added, “As we reflect on two decades of growth, innovation, and shared success, it is fitting to pay tribute to the journey that has brought us to this remarkable milestone.” She introduced a video that highlights the collective achievements and the enduring spirit that have defined our organization’s legacy.

Introducing this year’s awardees, Research Chair Yonie Harris remarked “When a pebble is thrown into a pond, the water ripples out in ever widening circles across the pond. Tonight, we have thrown 10 pebbles into that pond that is our community, and the impact is rippling out to change the lives of vulnerable people in manifold ways.”

2024 Grantees (from left) Marguerite Sanchez, Doctors Without Walls; Scott Whiteley, CADA – Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse; Shawna Morris, Casa Pacifica; Freya Estreller, DignityMoves; Lori Goodman, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner; Brad Fieldhouse, City Net; Susan Rodriguez, Unity Shoppe; Judie Lugo, Santa Barbara Police Activities League; Rich Sander, SB ACT; Harry Bruell, PathPoint.

Read about all of this year's grants here. 

• CADA (Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse) received a $100,000 grant to replace two aging vans with three SUVs that will transport clients to four different CADA Substance Use Disorder service programs.
• Casa Pacifica received a $90,000 grant to pay the salary for an additional full-time counselor in the agency’s SAFTY program which provides mobile emergency response and follow-up services for young people in mental health crisis.
• City Net received a $100,000 grant for a Mobile Safe Space - a specially equipped van that will allow the agency to bring safe, reliable services and supplies directly to unsheltered women wherever they are.
• DignityMoves received a $125,000 grant to fund the modular components of a child-care facility at the Family Village to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children that enables parents to pursue a variety of services to stabilize their families.
• Doctors Without Walls - Santa Barbara Street Medicine received a $100,000 grant over two years to fund the salary of a social worker to provide enhanced case management for people who face persistent problems associated with homelessness.
• LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner received a $120,000 grant to provide gap funding so the state-subsidized child-care center for low-income families can maintain quality services while renegotiating rates with the State of California.
• PathPoint received a $105,000 grant to pay for installation of eight walk-in shower units at the agency’s behavioral health residential units, increasing client independence and lowering the risk of injury.
• Santa Barbara Police Activities League (SBPAL) received a $110,000 grant to pay for renovations to the kitchen, bathrooms, and other areas to improve safety, accessibility, and functionality at the teen center.
• SB ACT received a $200,000 grant over two years to pay for furniture and supplies as well as stipends for trained peer counselors who are formerly homeless at the agency’s new Daytime Navigation Center in downtown Santa Barbara.
• Unity Shoppe received a grant for $75,000 to expand storage for perishable foods with five new, energy-efficient appliances and a six-month supply of high-protein foods that might otherwise be unavailable to clients.