Stand Down event helps nearly 500 veterans

Santa Barbara County hosted its third annual “Stand Down” event on October 18 at the Santa Maria Fairpark. Spearheaded by Fifth District County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, the event is intended to connect veterans — especially those who are homeless or unemployed — with a wide array of services in one location. A total of 490 veterans, including 117 homeless veterans, and their families attended. The massive, indoor-outdoor event was the culmination of more than a year of planning by dozens of agencies, including the Department of Social Services.

 

Click the Read More link below for more details and lots of pictures!

Veteran’s Stand Down A Huge Success

Led by Fifth District County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino, Santa Barbara County hosted its first-ever "Stand Down" event on Saturday, October 13th at the Santa Maria Fairpark to connect homeless and unemployed veterans with a wide array of services in one location.  A total of 192 veterans, including 74 homeless veterans and their families attended.    

Gifts, Party Brighten Holiday for Foster Children

The holidays can be a difficult time for foster children who are living away from their birth families. Our annual gift drive and holiday party made the holidays a little brighter for those children.

20th Annual Day of Caring

It was a Saturday in Santa Barbara, but these folks weren’t planning a day at the beach – instead, the team of 45 volunteers from the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services got up early and got to work on community beautification projects.