80th October Nonprofits

80 Years: October Charitable Giving Roundup

October 3, 2022
by Team SESLOC

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 October:

Companion Animal Placement Assistance (CAPA)

CAPA is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that has been partnering to save lives with Santa Barbara County in Lompoc since 1987. Our mission is to provide the best care for the animals at Santa Barbara County Animal Services. Programs include medical services (Provide funds for veterinary care, medications, and special diets), behavioral services (training programs and enrichment supplies) and daily care for animals in care of the shelter.

ytt Northern Chumash Nonprofit

The ytt Northern Chumash Nonprofit supports the preservation of traditional Chumash culture and traditions, protection of the natural environment, and protection of Chumash ancestral sacred sites. They advocate for cultural education, tribal events, language revitalization and preservation, and they work to provide economic opportunities to improve the quality of life for yak tityu tityy yak tiini Northern Chumash people. Plus, they work in partnership with the Northern Chumash Tribal Council based in Los Osos to preserve the environment.

Women’s Business Center

The Women’s Business Center is a full-service, technical assistance and training resource for entrepreneurs of all stages, with a special focus directed to underserved low-to-moderate income minority women. The program has helped launch over 600 businesses and create over 1,100 in San Luis Obispo County since launching 15 years ago. The program is a branch of the Mission Community Services Corporation formed in 1998 to support local small businesses and community development.

Lompoc Theater Project

The Lompoc Theater Project was formed in 2012, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to taking an old dilapidated 1927 movie theatre and transforming it into a working cultural and performing arts center.

Angels Foster Care

Angels Foster Care is a nonprofit foster family agency founded in 2006 that provides safe, stable, and loving homes for infants and toddlers in foster care throughout Santa Barbara County and Southern San Luis Obispo County. Their social workers provide comprehensive training and intensive assistance to Angels Foster Care parents so families can confidently care for their foster children knowing that they have the tools and support they need to provide the very best possible environment for a baby, toddler or sibling set.

Grizzly Youth Academy

The Grizzly Youth Academy Fund through the Community Foundation of SLO County supports the program’s operational needs and scholarships for students. Grizzly Youth Academy is a voluntary program for teens between the ages of 15 1/2 and 18 who have dropped out of high school, or are at risk of dropping out, that offers a highly-structured environment that promotes leadership, cooperation, and academic skills, while building self-esteem, pride, and confidence.

Fighting Back Santa Maria

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley partners with the community and agencies to reduce violence, prevent substance abuse and promote health and safety for our youth and families within the Santa Maria Valley communities of Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, Sisquoc, and Casmalia.

Tolosa Children’s Dental Center

Tolosa Children’s Dental Center provides a full-range of affordable, quality pediatric dental care to underserved, low-income youth, including: preventive and restorative treatment, oral health education, emergency care, and hospital-based services. The nonprofit serves over 6,000 children in SLO County each year, providing comprehensive, compassionate, quality dental care equal to what any child visiting a private dentist would receive.

Please consider donating to these worthy organizations. You can check out the organizations we selected in September here, and stay tuned to learn about the next eight nonprofits nominated by our staff in honor of our 80th anniversary.