In the September 2025 issue…

• Grantee of the Month: Domestic Violence Solutions
• Membership Corner: New and Prospective Member Reception Warms Hearts on a Warm August Evening
• Volunteer Spotlight: The Educational Events Committee
• SAVE THESE DATES: Your Chance to Learn More with Grants-In-Action Events

Most of us are aware of statistics that tell us that one in four women experience severe physical abuse by an intimate partner, and that more than three women are murdered by their intimate partners in this country each day. Did you also know that approximately half of the protective orders obtained by women are violated?

That’s just one reason why the Women’s Fund grant of $100,000 to Domestic Violence Solutions to upgrade security measures at the agency’s long-term housing facility, called Second Stage, and its 25-bed emergency shelter, is so crucial. The grant will pay for upgraded security cameras, improved monitoring systems, and rebuilding protective fencing.

These tangible, visible measures bring increased peace of mind to the residents at DVS and the staff that serve them. Feeling free from fear of violence, even after finding safety at the Santa Barbara Shelter or Second Stage, is a necessary measure for these women to recover from the trauma inflicted upon them.

Director of Development Tina Ballue explains that DVS is more than a shelter, it is a sanctuary of safety, healing, and hope. Tina shared the story of just one woman’s transformation from being a patient in the emergency room to being a business owner. This woman had no family nearby, no bank account, no employment history. And yet, thanks to the services DVS provided, and her own perseverance and courage, she now has her own business and the two young children she brought with her are now in college and starting high school.

The Women’s Fund has contributed grant money to four different projects at DVS in the last 20 years, helping them with education initiatives for teens, playground facilities, and volunteer training. Our continuing commitment to DVS recognizes the importance of providing wide-ranging services to these residents, including counseling, job training, and enriching the living environment for families. This year’s grant strengthens the most immediate and primary function of DVS – keeping residents safe.

- Contributed by Catherine Nietzel

Last month, Alpha Resource Center hosted the Women’s Fund for our annual New and Prospective Member event. We had the chance to hear from five of our previous grantees, who expressed their immense gratitude to the Women’s Fund.

• Alpha Resource Center added air conditioning and made their center more accessible for their many wheelchair users
• Domestic Violence Solutions increased security at their shelter and long-term housing facility
• Girls Inc. of Carpinteria expanded mental health services for girls and families in the program
• Food from the Heart’s produce distribution program was preserved when their truck, “Old Squeaky,” was swapped out for a new one
• Foodbank of SB County has been continuing the fight against food insecurity in a time when one quarter of the supply has disappeared due to USDA cuts

What surprised me the most about each organization’s story was the intangible value of being a grantee. When an organization receives a grant as sizeable as those given by the Women’s Fund, it lets other donors and grantors know that this is an organization worthy of support; that it has been vetted (thoroughly, as one of the grantees emphasized!) by our diligent research committee. Our grant instills faith in these organizations and their missions in our community. Essentially, funding begets funding, and the Women’s Fund is a catalyst.

And yet, our grants go further still. As Tina Ballue from Domestic Violence Solutions stated, the Women’s Fund’s grant sends a powerful message to the women they support who are battling fear and change: “we will stand with you.” Our grants send the message that whatever seemingly insurmountable challenges the members of our community face, we are with them, and we will strive for their success.

On this warm August evening, members old, new, and prospective gathered to hear how far our grants can go, and to recognize that our belief in these organizations is equally as important as the grants themselves.

Have you renewed for the upcoming grant season?

If you are unsure if you’ve made your donation for 2025, no need to sift through your email. Please go to https://womensfundsb.org/members/2025 and see if your name is listed under Members 2025 YTD. Or, from the Women’s Fund homepage you can hover over the ABOUT section and click MEMBERS. If your name is listed, you have made your donation. If you haven’t, you’ll get a reminder this month that it’s time to renew! Not yet a member? You can always join here.

- Contributed by Hannah Robinson

An Interview with Co-Chair Danuta McCall

The Women’s Fund is powered by hundreds of passionate volunteers who lead the organization and make our mission come to life every day. To give you a behind-the-scenes look at how it all comes together, we’re spotlighting one of our core groups: the Educational Events Committee. We sat down with Co-Chair Danuta McCall to learn more about her journey and what makes working on this committee so rewarding.

Tell us how you first got involved with the Women’s Fund.

You weren’t sure Educational Events was the right fit at first. What changed?

That’s right—I attended a Volunteer Engagement event a few years ago and initially thought, “Educational Events isn’t for me. I’m not great at planning events.” My background is in running a tech company with large corporate and institutional clients, so my strengths are in strategy, organization, facilitation, and marketing.

But Roberta Collier, who had just stepped in as Committee Chair, assured me those skills would be incredibly valuable—and she was right. She encouraged me to try it out. I started by helping at a few events, then got involved in developing panel questions. I really connected with fellow planners and with the grantees, and after stepping in as a last-minute moderator at one of our forums, I realized I could truly contribute. That eventually led to me becoming Co-Chair.

What advice would you give someone considering volunteering?

You may think you're not the “right” person to contribute, but the Women’s Fund is so multi-faceted that there’s truly a place for everyone. The key is to have the conversation. Share what you love doing—and chances are, someone will say, “That’s exactly what we need.” That’s what Roberta did for me.

What’s new and exciting in the Educational Events Committee this year?

We’ve been reimagining how to make our events more engaging and interactive. Our goal is to draw in more members and create more memorable, impactful experiences. Here are a few ideas we’re working on:

• Learn and Connect: Grantees host the event themselves and invite the community into their world. These events feel more like immersive experiences than traditional presentations.
• Roundtables with the Experts: Rather than a standard forum format, we’re exploring smaller, topic-focused conversations. Grantees love the idea of collaborating across nonprofits and sharing their insights on common challenges.

Final thoughts on volunteering?

Be open to exploring. There truly is something for everyone—whether you're an idea person, a logistics whiz, or someone who just loves to support from the background. You might be surprised where you fit in, and find yourself saying, “Me? I never thought I’d do this!”

For members interested in exploring volunteering, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Committee at volunteer@womensfundsb.org.

- Contributed by Karen Linblad

Grants-In-Action events help us learn more about our grantees and how they help change lives in our community. We’re thrilled to announce our 2025-2026 Grants-in-Action schedule, which includes ‘Learn and Connect’ opportunities and an expert Roundtable. Note these dates!

Join Us For An Expert Roundtable

Gain comprehensive insights into a critical community need that several of the Women’s Fund grants address, as attendees listen in on a lively, in-depth conversation.

• February 2026 (date TBA): Expert Roundtable on the challenges of homelessness and housing in our community.

Please mark your calendars! We look forward to seeing you at these interactive experiences.

Stay tuned for further details!

- Contributed by Cynthia Brown

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