In honor of International Children’s Day, LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. was recently recognized by the Santa Barbara Board of Supervisors.

Formerly Isla Vista Youth Projects, LEAP is a child care agency that has been supporting Goleta families for over 50 years.

A child with brown hair, and wearing a pink shirt with red flowers, smiles as she stands at a wood table in the LEAP play yard. (Courtesy photo)
Child care agency LEAP has been supporting Goleta families for more than a half-century. (Courtesy photo)

“LEAP is a critical partner to provide supportive, caring services to young people and their families, setting them up for success well into the future,” said Supervisor Laura Capps, who presented the resolution recognizing LEAP.

“On behalf of the county of Santa Barbara, I couldn’t be more proud to highlight and uplift the important impact they make every single day,” she said.

LEAP currently has two Children’s Center campuses in Goleta, where it provides free, full-day, year-round childcare for up to 134 children, ages three months to five years old.

The organization expects to open its third campus later this year in Lompoc.

LEAP also provides comprehensive family support through its Family Resource Center, including bilingual parenting classes, monthly food distribution, an emergency food pantry, and free Diaper Bank.

In the last year, the FRC served some 2,500 low-income children and families.

“Joy is at the heart of everything we do. LEAP’s holistic approach ensures that families receive the support they need to thrive,” said Lori Goodman, executive director of LEAP.

“From early childhood education to essential resources like our Diaper Bank, we are dedicated making a lasting impact in our community,” she said.

 For more information, visit  www.leapcentralcoast.org.