Supporters got a glimpse of the United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) community programs they helped make possible during the nonprofit’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society and Leadership Circle Reception June 12.
Hosted by Adam Liff at his home in Hope Ranch, the event recognized the efforts of local volunteers and philanthropists who backed UWSBC and its programs, which further youth education, health and financial stability in the community.
The Alexis de Tocqueville Society and Leadership Circle recognize local philanthropic leaders and volunteer champions who have devoted time, talent and funds to create long-lasting changes by tackling our communities’ most serious issues.
In particular, the reception highlighted a newly expanded and enhanced partnership with Carpinteria Unified School District to provide additional early educational opportunities and literacy development curriculum to students in pre-K to 5th-grade.
“United Way and CUSD’s primary shared goal is to help more Carpinteria students reach critical third-grade reading benchmarks when learning to read becomes reading to learn,” said Steve Ortiz, UWSBC president/CEO.
“Carpinteria Unified School District students will have more access to early education programming and online reading improvement tools to ensure that they are on track to graduate high school on time,” he said.
During the reception, McKinley Elementary School parent Luis Munoz discussed how his children and family have benefited from United for Literacy programs.
Through the Kindergarten Success Institute, Munoz’ youngest children Andrea and Junior gained the skills they need to keep up with their kindergarten classmates starting on day one. They practiced using pencils, glue and scissors; mastered writing their own names; and learned early literacy skills.
Meanwhile, Munoz’ older daughter Shirleen has made huge gains with help from another UWSBC school-based literacy program, Lexia Reading software.
UWSBC also presented its Outstanding Volunteer of Time, Talent & Treasure for Individual Leadership to Mike and Betty Noling. Mike Noling has been on UWSBC’s Board of Directors since 1997. Betty Noling is a founding member of Women United. Mike Noling explained how passionate he and his wife are about the growing impact UWSBC is making in Santa Barbara County schools.
This year, the Alexis de Tocqueville Award for Outstanding Philanthropy Award went to Mike and Dale Nissenson, who have been among the first to raise their hands to assist with new projects, fundraising campaigns and friend-raising efforts to help ensure more students and families in the community have brighter futures.
“It is a gift to be able to work with this organization to provide financial support for young people in our community through these programs,” said Mike Nissenson, a UWSBC Board Member since 2013.
For more information, visit https://www.unitedwaysb.org/.
— Angel Pacheco for United Way of Santa Barbara County.