Welcome To Santa Barbara NEIGHBORHOOD & OUTREACH SERVICES—
Serving Neighborhoods & StREngthening Families Franklin Neighborhood Center
1136 E. Montecito St.
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Phone: 897-2582 Fax 963-7607 Westside Neighborhood Center
423 W. Victoria St.
Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm
Phone: 897-2560 Fax 963-7569 Louise Lowry Davis Center
1232 De La Vina Street
Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm
Phone: 897-2568 Staff and Contact Information Sarah Hanna – Recreation Manager
564-5428
shanna@santabarbaraca.gov Mark M. Alvarado – Senior Supervisor
897-2643
mmalvarado@santabarbaraca.gov Susan Young – Supervisor
897-2652
syoung@santabarbaraca.gov Ricardo Venegas – Coordinator II
897-2547
rvenegas@santabarbaraca.gov Peter Leyva – Coordinator I
897-1924
pleyva@santabarbaraca.gov Jessica Martinez – Administrative Assistant
897-2560
jmartinez@santabarbaraca.gov The Neighborhood and Outreach Services section is committed to provide programs and outreach services to strengthen families, improve outcomes for children and youth, and create stronger, sustainable communities by outreaching to underserved youth and teens, improving services to families, enhancing neighborhoods, building community pride through beautification projects, and creating healthier communities FEATURED PROGRAMS:
Mobile Food Pantries and Mobile Farmer’s Markets
The Mobile Food Pantries and Farmers Markets, in partnership with the SB County Food Bank, provide free food distribution programs for low-income individuals and families. Participants do not need to apply; simply show up at various community center locations to receive free groceries. Participants should bring their own bags or boxes to carry the food. Schedule For Food Pantries: 1st Tuesday of the month 1:30pm at Parque de Los Ninos; 3rd Tuesday of the month 1:30pm at Franklin Center. Schedule for Farmers Market (vegetables only): Every Monday 1pm at Westside Center; every Monday 1:30pm at Davis Center; every Thursday 1:30pm Franklin Center. Information: 897-2582 or 897-2547.
Brown Bag Program for Seniors
The Westside Neighborhood Center (WNC) and Franklin Community Center offer a Brown Bag Program (food distribution) every other week of the month. In addition, the WCC serves as a senior meal site via a collaborative agreement with the Community Action Commission to provide low-cost hot meals to qualifying senior residents. Schedule: Every other Friday at 9am at Westside Center. Information: 897-2560.  Community Garden Plots
Enjoy growing your own healthy organic vegetables, herbs and flowers at one of three community gardens—Rancheria, Yanonali and Pilgrim Terrace—conveniently located near the Franklin, Lower Westside and Westside Community Centers. Garden plots of 10 x 20 feet can be rented for the modest price of $64 annually ($75 without a Resident Discount Card) by visiting your nearest community center or call 805-897-2582. Click here for brochure.
PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH AND TEENS:
Job Apprenticeship Program
The Job Apprenticeship Program provides youth with alternatives to violence-oriented lifestyles, a positive environment for expressions of youth concerns, and fosters their self awareness and survival skills. The program is built on a strong community foundation of local institutions, residential communities, families and individuals. This approach empowers participants to build on and strengthen their own support bases where none may have existed before. The primary objective of the Job Apprenticeship Program is to provide participants with opportunities to receive “hands-on” training and experiences in a variety of occupational areas within the City of Santa Barbara. Call 805-897-2582.
Youth Art Alliance Program
 This program is designed for youth ages 14-21 to increase their commitment to school and community, reduce negative peer bonding and problem behaviors, and to develop special project and/or opportunities that incorporate community service participation, including: Development of a professional youth art magazine; quarterly/yearly art exhibits; a web-based art gallery by youth for youth; mural creation; graffiti abatement/removal; participation in neighborhood community service clean-up projects. 805-897-2582.
OTHER Services Available To RESIDENTS At Neighborhood Centers*
Property Tax Postponement Program — Gives qualified homeowners the option of having the state pay all or part of the property taxes on their homes. The postponed tax amount and accrued interest is paid when one moves, sells the home or dies.
Legal Services — Free legal services are offered free of charge at the Franklin Center on Tuesdays and the Westside Center on Thursdays, 4-6pm, by local volunteer lawyers.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) — Volunteers are trained by the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board to assist in the free preparation of state and federal income tax. Offered at the Westside Center starting Spring 2013.
HICAP: Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program — HICAP provides free and unbiased assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. Appointment required: 805.928.5663..
Referral Services — Providing information and referral to seniors regarding a wide array of services available to them. Examples include: the Senior Directory, monthly publications for Seniors, bus schedules, pamphlets and flyers on programs provided by non-profit agencies, businesses and local government.
*Some services not available at all centers Make a difference in your neighborhood. Click here to find out how you can join the NOS Advisory Committee. |