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Employment & Job Training Programs
Food Resources
211 Santa Barbara County
What they do: A free, 24/7 comprehensive information and referral service that connects residents to health & human services, food and housing support, crisis hotlines, mental wellness resources, employment help, and more throughout Santa Barbara County.
Contact:
- Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or (800) 400-1572
- Mailing address: 201 W. Chapel St., Santa Maria, CA 93454
- Website: 211santabarbaracounty.org
Education & After-School Programs
California Kids Investment and Development Savings (CalKIDS)
What they do: A state-administered children’s savings account program that opens a college savings account for eligible children, including seed deposits and potential incentives to help fund future higher education costs.
Contact:
- Website: Find details via the ScholarShare Investment Board or CalKIDS official site (search “CalKIDS California”).
- Note: CalKIDS is a *state program – contact through official CalKIDS / ScholarShare site for online support and accounts.
Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County
What they do: Helps families find and pay for quality child care, provides referrals to childcare providers, financial assistance for childcare, and support for caregivers and early education programs.
Contact:
Santa Barbara Office: 4141 State Street #A3.1, Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Santa Maria Office: 2861 Airpark Drive, 2nd Fl., Santa Maria, CA 93455
Phones: (805) 963-6631 (SB), (805) 925-7071 (SM)
Website: crrsbc.org
Central Coast Literacy Council
What they do: Central Coast Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults improve reading, writing, speaking, and understanding of English at no cost. They provide one-on-one tutoring and small community classes that help adults gain literacy skills essential for employment, communication, and participation in the community.
Contact Information:
Website: https://www.centralcoastliteracycouncil.org/
Email: cclcread@gmail.com
Phone: (805) 925-0994 ext. 2837
Allan Hancock College
Website: https://www.hancockcollege.edu/
What they do: Allan Hancock College is a community college serving Northern Santa Barbara County, offering a wide range of educational programs including ESL classes, GED preparation, EOPS support services, academic tutoring, and vocational training. These programs help students improve academic performance, pursue higher education, and prepare for careers.
Contact Information:
Main Phone: (805) 922-6966
Website: hancockcollege.edu
SM-Bonita ASES Program (Santa Maria-Bonita School District)
What they do: The ASES Program (After School Education and Safety) provides expanded learning opportunities for students beyond the regular school day. It offers academic support, enrichment activities such as STEM, arts, physical fitness, and healthy snacks, with a focus on safe, structured environments that help students grow academically and socially.
Contact Information:
Main Phone: (805) 928-1783
Website: smbsd.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mid Central Coast Santa Maria
Evans Park Club
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mid Central Coast, we provide high-quality after-school programs and youth development opportunities designed to support the whole child. Our Evans Park Club offers a safe and engaging environment where youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
What We Offer:
- Homework help and academic support
- Leadership and character development opportunities
- STEM and computer access
- Sports and fitness programs
- Arts and creative expression
- Enrichment and recreational activities
Our Mission:
To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
Contact Information:
Main Phone: (805) 614-7551
Website: www.centralcoastkids.org
Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast
What they do: Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast offers after-school and youth programs focused on building leadership, confidence, and life skills for girls. They provide activities such as STEM workshops, outdoor experiences, leadership development, community involvement, and troop programs that help girls grow academically and socially.
Contact Information:
Website: https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/
Phone: (805) 689-7086
Behavioral Health Department
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
CHC Cares
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
The child and adolescent psychiatrist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families. The psychiatrist uses the knowledge of biological, psychological, and social factors in working with patients.
When to Seek help for your Pre-Adolescent and Adolescents
- Marked decline in school performance
- Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
- Marked changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
- Extreme difficulties in concentrating that get in the way at school or at home
- Depression shown by sustained, prolonged negative mood and attitude, often accompanied by poor appetite, difficulty sleeping or thoughts of death
- Severe mood swings
- Strong worries or anxieties that get in the way of daily life, such as at school or socializing
- Persistent nightmares
- Frequent outbursts of anger, aggression
- Repeated threats to run away
- Aggressive or non-aggressive consistent violation of rights of others; opposition to authority, truancy, thefts, or vandalism
- Strange thoughts, beliefs, feelings, or unusual behaviors
Not all children grow from infancy through their adolescent years without experiencing some bumps along the way. While every child is unique and special, sometimes they encounter emotions, feelings or behavior that cause problems in their lives and the lives of those around them. Families often worry when their child or teenager has difficulty coping with things, feels sad, can't sleep, gets involved with drugs, or can't get along with family or friends.
If your child is age 13-18 and has symptoms or a mental health condition and you're concerned, consider speaking with your primary care provider and request a referral to a child and adolescent psychiatrist or a trained mental health professional.
For an appointment, or for information call us at:
805-343-5577
4723 W. Main St. Suite F
Guadalupe, CA 93434
Medi-Cal plans accepted. Sliding Fee payment plan is available for qualifying patients.
CommUnify
What they do: A community action nonprofit that works with residents to improve health, financial stability, and independence. They operate the 211 helpline and offer education and support services for families, older adults, and individuals.
Contact:
- Phone: (805) 617-2897 / Toll-Free (800) 655-0617
- Email: Energyinfo@CommUnifySB.org
- Address: 602 Anacapa St. 2nd Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Website: communifysb.org
Employment & Job Training Program
.PathPoint
What they do: PathPoint is a nonprofit that provides job training, supported employment services, and life skills development for people with disabilities, seniors, and economically disadvantaged individuals. They assist with job placement, vocational assessments, supported employment opportunities, and individualized support to help people find and retain meaningful work.
Contact Information:
Phone: (805-966-3310 (Santa Barbara corporate office)
Website: pathpoint.org
Work for Warriors – Helping Our Veteran Community Get Hired
What they do: Work for Warriors is a career support program for military veterans and their families, helping them transition from military to civilian employment. Services include resume building, interview preparation, career planning, job referrals, and direct employer connections to help veterans find meaningful careers.
Contact Information:
Website: workforwarriors.org
Phone: (916) 854-4426 (general contact)
Operation GoodJobs 3.0
Operation GoodJobs is a veteran employment initiative provided by Goodwill, often offered through Goodwill Workforce Services offices.
What they do: Operation GoodJobs 3.0 is a job search and placement support program for military veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their families. It offers services such as career planning, vocational training, job placement services, and supportive employment assistance to help veterans succeed in civilian careers.
Contact Information:
- Main Contact via Goodwill: Local workforce service offices in Santa Barbara County provide orientations and information:
- Goodwill Workforce Services — Santa Barbara: (805) 845-3926
- Goodwill Workforce Services — Santa Maria: (805) 928-5285
- Goodwill Workforce Services — Lompoc: (805) 736-6700
- Goodwill Oxnard Office: (805) 981-0131
Español ►
Community Partners in Caring – Volunteer Support Services
What they do:
Community Partners in Caring provides free volunteer-based services to help older adults (62+) and adults with mild disabilities live independently and maintain quality of life. Services include transportation, friendly visits, phone check-ins, errands, and other non-medical support.
Contact Information:
Main Office – Santa Maria, CA: (805) 925-8000
Website: partnersincaring.org
Español ► 
My Free Taxes
What they do: My Free Taxes is a free, online tax filing service sponsored by United Way. It helps individuals and families file their federal and state taxes at no cost, maximizing refunds and providing guidance for tax credits. This service supports financial literacy and stability for low- and moderate-income households. ( myfreetaxes.com )
Contact Information:
- Email / Contact Form: Available via their website contact page. (myfreetaxes.com)
- Phone: 1-866-698-9435
Veteran’s Benefits Administration – Financial Counseling & Online Will Preparatio
What they do: The Veteran’s Benefits Administration offers free financial counseling and online will preparation for veterans. This includes budgeting advice, debt management, estate planning, and guidance on maximizing benefits. It helps veterans plan for financial stability and protect their assets.
Contact Information:
Website / Contact: Main VA Benefits site: https://www.benefits.va.gov/ ( benefits.va.gov)
Phone: 1-800-827-1000 (VA Benefits Assistance)
Food Resources
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
What they do: Works to end hunger by supplying food, education, and resources through a network of partners and direct distributions countywide.
Contact Information:
• Phone: (805) 967-5741
• Address: 4554 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93110
• Website: foodbanksbc.org
CalFresh
What they do: CalFresh gives people monthly money for food on an EBT card.
Contact Information:
• Phone: 1-877-FOOD-CA
• Website: https://www.calfresh.com/
Central Coast Rescue Mission
What they do: Central Coast Rescue Mission provides meal services, food assistance, and emergency shelters for individuals and families in need. Their programs help homeless and low-income residents access nutritious meals, support services, and pathways to stability. (centralcoastrescuemission.org)
Contact Information:
Email: info@centralcoastrescuemission.org (centralcoastrescuemission.org)
Phone: (805) 614-0244
Health & Wellness
Community Health Centers (CHC)
What they do: Community Health Centers provide comprehensive medical, dental, and mental health services for low-income and underserved populations. They offer preventive care, chronic disease management, health education, and support to improve overall well-being.
Contact Information:
Email: info@communityhealthcenters.org
Phone: (805) 349-2489
Website: communityhealthcenters.org ( communityhealthcenters.org )
Alcohol, Drug & Mental Health Services
What they do: ADMHS provides alcohol, drug, and mental health services to individuals and families in Santa Barbara County. Programs include counseling, crisis intervention, substance abuse treatment, and community support programs for mental wellness. (countyofsb.org)
Contact Information:
- Phone: (805) 681-5220
- Email / Contact: via online form on website (countyofsb.org)
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Website: Alcohol & Drug Programs | Santa Barbara County, CA - Official Website
Government Resources
HUD – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Website / Logo:
Website: https://www.hud.gov/ ( hud.gov )
Description:
HUD provides federal housing programs, including affordable housing assistance, rental support, homelessness prevention, and community development programs. They help individuals and families access safe and affordable housing.
Contact Information:
- Email: via HUD online contact form (hud.gov)
- Phone: 1-800-225-5342
- Website: hud.gov
Tenant Empowerment
This collection of resources offers a wide range of information to support both Public Housing (PH) and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) tenants. Topics include: These materials are designed to guide PH and HCV tenants through every step of their housing journey, ensure access to tools and information for a positive rental experience, and maximize the benefits of housing assistance programs.
What they do: Program guidelines, Tenant rights and responsibilities, Strategies for maintaining eligibility in either program
Website: Tenant Empowerment - HUD Exchange
📌 Local City Governments
For each city below, the city government manages local services (planning, housing policies, permits, community services) and sometimes local housing programs. You can find contacts on each official city site.
City of Lompoc
What they do: Local government for Lompoc providing community services, housing policies, public works, and permits.
Website: https://www.cityoflompoc.com
City of Santa Maria
What they do: City government for Santa Maria (housing planning, community development, public safety, services).
Website: https://www.cityofsantamaria.org
City of Guadalupe
What they do: Local city services including housing assistance referrals, community planning, and municipal services.
Website: https://cityofguadalupe.org
City of Goleta
What they do: City services, zoning and planning, and community programs.
Website: https://www.cityofgoleta.org
City of Buellton
What they do: Municipal services in Buellton (planning, community development, city utilities).
Website: https://www.cityofbuellton.com
City of Carpinteria
What they do: City government operations and community development.
Website: https://carpinteria.ca.us
Community & Support Services
Domestic Violence Solutions
What they do: Provides safety, shelter, counseling, and advocacy support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, including a 24-hour crisis hotline and emergency services.
Contact:
• 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (805) 964-5245
• Phone (non-emergency): (805) 963-4458
• Address: 3888 State Street, Suite 203, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
• Website: dvsolutions.org
Family Service Agency
What they do: Enhances the health and well-being of families, children, and seniors by providing mental health support, case management, basic needs services (food and shelter), advocacy, and family strengthening programs.
• Phone: (805) 842-5148
• Website: fsacares.org
Farmworker Resource Center – Proyecto Campesino
What they do: A county resource focused on supporting farmworkers, connecting them with services, programs, and information to address work and quality-of-life needs.
Contact:
• Website/Info: Santa Barbara County Farmworker Resource Center page on county site.
Mother’s Helpers
What they do: Offers diapers, clothing, and essential baby items to at-risk families.
Contact: Usually accessible via local community resource guides or partner agencies.
Salvation Army – Santa Barbara & Santa Maria
What they do: Provides social support, food assistance, programs to combat poverty, and addiction support through local Salvation Army corps locations.
Contact (Santa Barbara):
• Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (general)
Contact (Santa Maria): Local Salvation Army Santa Maria (search “Salvation Army Santa Maria CA”).
Tri-Counties Regional Center
What they do: Offers planning, services, and support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to help with living, working, learning, and community life.
Contact: Typically available via Tri-Counties Regional Center website.
United Way of Santa Barbara County
What they do: Supports tax preparation assistance, housing stability, financial education, and community programs that strengthen families and promote self-sufficiency.
Contact:
• Website: unitedwaysb.org
YouthWell
What they do: Provides tools, support, and education to empower youth and families to manage mental wellness and navigate life challenges.
Contact:
• Website: youthwell.org