SESLOC Spotlight highlights local organizations that make the Central Coast the best place to live.
Today we’re shining the spotlight on CALM, a nonprofit supporting the Santa Barbara County community through childhood trauma treatment and prevention. Ashlyn McCague, Development Director, describes how the organization has strengthened our community for 50 years:
CALM
Industry: Nonprofit
Serving the Central Coast since: 1970
How many employees? 120 countywide
How many volunteers? 20 volunteers providing childcare, 21 Board members, & 50 community members planning events and fundraising.
What’s your mission? CALM’s mission is to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities through Santa Barbara County.
What’s unique about CALM? CALM was one of the first agencies of its kind in the nation to focus on childhood trauma treatment and prevention. We remain the region’s trauma experts with offices located in Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara and staff embedded in partner agencies throughout the county.
What do you attribute to your success? CALM is wherever children and families are. CALM therapists are embedded in preschools, elementary schools, medical clinics, and Family Resource Centers. Our clinicians meet clients wherever they are including maintain a critical presence in homes via telehealth and home visits, playing catch at a park, and continuing to do whatever it takes to provide a safety net and build in resiliency for children and families.
What advice would you give someone interested in supporting your mission? Maintaining connectedness, disrupting generational trauma and building resiliency is very important. It’s up to all of us working together to keep an eye out for vulnerable families who are more likely to be overwhelmed by stressors that are taking a toll on everyone. Reach out to a lonely family member or friend, give a struggling parent a break. Take advantage of CALM’s posted resources learn how to recognize the signs of stress and trauma, how to reduce stress, and support resiliency in yourself and others.
Practicing mindfulness, exercise, healthy relationships, healthy sleep, nutrition, and mental health guidance are all ways to support resilience. During this time where all humankind is experiencing a global trauma, our families, friends, and neighbors need our support and kindness more than ever. Reaching out and staying connected can make all the difference to someone. CALM is committed to being that essential resource for those in need.