The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara (HACSB), in coordination with 2nd Story Associates, has completed its Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura (Preparation, Well-being and Culture) free summer initiative focused on “life preparation” with 17 teens graduating from the program.

The program provides focused activities that promote educational opportunities, social-emotional support, and cultural awareness.

Students participate in a variety of field trips, earn community service hours, participate in college tours, and receive a free backpack and school supplies. 

“In addition to providing affordable housing, the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara understands that residents need additional skills, tools and opportunities to succeed,” said Hector Avila, HACSB Resident Program specialist.

The Preparación, Bienestar y Cultura program also focuses on promoting cultural awareness to cultivate a stronger sense of self for diverse students.

Activities are aimed at enhancing students’ academic performance and critical thinking skills, and social and community engagement through interactive workshops and presentations that explore topics such as social justice, social movements, and family/cultural traditions. 

Graduates each received a Jansport backpack, A Solar Powered Charger that was donated in collaboration between Deckers Brands and local nonprofit Unite to Light, a $100 Stipend and $50 target gift card for school supplies.

Other program partners include New Beginnings Counseling Center, Kind World Foundation and Eileen and Charlie Read.

Students were celebrated earlier this month during a graduation ceremony, along with their families and Housing Authority staff. 

The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara is a local public agency created for the purpose of providing safe, decent, and quality affordable housing and supportive services to eligible persons with limited incomes, through a variety of federal, state, local and private resources.

2nd Story Associates is a nonprofit corporation created to support the development of affordable housing and promote social services for the benefit of low-income members of the Santa Barbara community; visit 2nd-story.org/.