In this issue the Santa Ynez Valley Star, with the help of the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation, is saluting the valley’s many nonprofit organizations and the vital work they do in the community.
We may have missed one or two of them in this initial list, so please let us know who else should be included. Just send a quick email to reporter@santaynezvalleystar.com, and we can add your information online immediately and in print next year.
Allan Hancock College Foundation
The foundation raises funds to advance education and build community support to meet the needs of Hancock College in the areas of scholarships, capital/infrastructure projects and program support. www.hancockcollege.edu/foundation
Angels Foster Care
Founded in 2006 by Meichelle Arntz, Angels Foster Care has placed more than 230 infants and toddlers in stable, loving foster homes in Santa Barbara County. 805-884-0012, www.angelsfostercare.org
Animal Rescue Team
Animal Rescue Team provides animal rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, orphaned and displaced animals. 2025 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-6484, animalrescueteam.net
Arts Outreach
The mission of Arts Outreach is promoting the visual, literary and musical arts in the Santa Ynez and Los Alamos valleys. It has grown stronger than ever with the help and support of the community, teachers, principals and superintendents. 805-688-9533, www.artsoutreach.com
Atterdag Village and Auxiliary
One of the valley’s premier retirement communities, it includes independent, assisted living and skilled nursing. The auxiliary was created to honor, protect and support the seniors at Atterdag with resources and events. 636 Atterdag Road, Solvang; 805-688-3263, www.peoplewhocare.com
Bethania Preschool and Afterschool
Bethania Preschool and After School Care began in 1987 at Bethania Lutheran Church to meet working families’ needs. The curriculum includes pre-reading, writing and math, as well as science, art and outdoor activities. 603 Atterdag, Solvang; 805-688-4637, www.bethanialutheran.net
Buellton Senior Center
Since 1976 the Santa Ynez Valley Senior Citizen Foundation has worked to improve the quality of life and total health and wellbeing of seniors through projects that advance health and nutrition, promote social interaction and help seniors who are at risk. 164 W. Highway 246, Buellton; 805-688-4571, www.buelltonseniorcenter.org
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay. In the last year, Direct Relief has provided nearly $2.8 million (wholesale) of medical material aid and supplies to 41 nonprofit and governmental partners in the area, in addition to responding to the devastating Thomas Fire in December and resulting mudslides in January. www.directrelief.org
Central Coast Film Society
The Central Coast Film Society celebrates cinema and promotion of media arts and entertainment. It also provides a platform for Central Coast filmmakers and students, sponsors and hosts forums and screenings, and provides support to media artists. www.centralcoastfilmsociety.org
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit the history and Danish culture of Solvang and to promote the arts. Its unique building is the former home of one of Solvang’s most artistic families. 1624 Elverhoy Way, Solvang; 805-686-1211; www.elverhoj.org
Friends of the Buellton Library
The Friends group supports and advocates for the Buellton Library. 805-688-3115, friendsofbuelltonlibrary@gmail.com
Friends of the Library Santa Ynez Valley
The Friends of the Library is dedicated to the growth and development of the public libraries in the Santa Ynez Valley to ensure free access to information and resources to all members of the community. friendssyvlibrary@gmail.com, www.friendssyvlibrary.org
Golf Beats Cancer
In coordination with the American Cancer Society and area cancer centers, Golf Beats Cancer raises funds for cancer patients directly facing the harsh effects of chemotherapy. Its “Links to More Good Days” program puts local patients onto local golf courses. www.gbcpatientsupport.org.
Happy Endings Animal Sanctuary
The sanctuary provides refuge to animals that would otherwise be euthanized and removes those who are in neglectful or abusive situations. 805-448-7138, www.happyendingsanimalsanctuary.org
Hidden Wings
Hidden Wings nurtures the gifts of young adults with autism so that they might have full and productive lives in society. 517 Atterdag Road, Solvang; hiddenwings.org, 805-705-3918
The Los Alamos Foundation
The group’s mission is to preserve and promote the rich history and culture of the Los Alamos community and to serve those who live and work in Los Alamos and surrounding areas. 805-478-3934, www.thelosalamosfoundation.org
Los Olivos Community Organization
The Los Olivos Community Organization Inc. seeks to foster fellowship and goodwill in diverse local communities through cultural, educational and social activities. It supports sustainable agriculture and preserves the character and historical significance of the historic Grange Hall for those activities. 2374 Alamo Pintado Road, Los Olivos; www.locorg.org
Milton’s Mutts
It is Milton’s Mutts mission to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home abandoned, abused and neglected domesticated animals, with a focus on the senior population. Founded by Breann Hollon, Milton’s Mutts rescues senior dogs from kill shelters and gives them a retirement of love! If we can re-home them to a loving family we will, but we are here to love and provide for them if not. www.miltonsmutts.com
NatureTrack
The NatureTrack Foundation is dedicated to instilling students with leadership skills, attitudes, and habits for lifelong learning and inspiring them to be respectful stewards of the natural world. It also hosts a film festival each spring devoted to nature films. 805-886-2047, www.naturetrack.org
Old Yeller Ranch Rescue
Old Yeller Ranch Rescue has rescued at-risk dogs from shelters throughout California. At its small facility in Los Olivos it kennels the dogs temporarily until a forever home is found. 805-500-6977, www.oyrr.org
Rona Barrett Foundation
Famed Hollywood journalist Rona Barrett she built The Golden Inn and Village as an affordable and dignified senior residence community. 805-688-8887, www.ronabarrettfoundation.org
Rotary Clubs
Four local Rotary Clubs and their benevolent foundations provide a wide range of human services locally and internationally. Find information on local clubs at www.syvrotary.org, www.buelltonrotaryclub.org, www.solvangrotary.com, and www.losolivosrotary.org.
Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation
The Santa Barbara Vintners (Santa Barbara County Vintners Association) was founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a world-class wine-producing and wine-grape-growing region. 597 Avenue of Flags, Buellton; 805-688-0881; wwwsbcountywines.com
Santa Ynez Track and Field
Coaches help youth improve their skills but also to learn that track and field is more than speed, strength and endurance. It provides lifetime skills and lessons such as discipline, determination, respect and dedication to friendship, teamwork, and a healthy diet, body and lifestyle. www.sytrack.org
Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden
The Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden Foundation is dedicated to fostering the discovery and deeper understanding of the natural world and an appreciation of the significance of nature in our lives. 151 Sycamore Drive (at River View Park), Buellton; 805-245-5603, www.santaynezvalleybotanicgarden.org
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital
Founded in 1964, the nonprofit hospital provides outpatient surgical services, inpatient care, comprehensive imaging, cardiac rehabilitation, specialty physicians and 24-hour emergency services. 805-688-6431, cottagehealth.org/syvch
SYV Cottage Hospital Foundation
Celebrating 40 years of philanthropy this year (1978-2018), the foundation develops, manages and channels financial support for Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital. 805-691-9509, cottagehealth.org/donate
Santa Ynez Valley Cycling Club
The club is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, friendships and goodwill, sportsmanship, good conduct and safety for youth, and a shared love of cycling. Activities include supporting a junior racing team, sponsoring the high school mountain bike team, donating helmets to local youth, awarding college scholarships, organizing cycling events, and conducting weekly rides and periodic clinics. www.syvcc.org
Santa Ynez Valley Foundation
The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation focuses its grant-making on areas essential to the quality of life for local people of all ages. Grants are provided to nonprofit organizations that support health and human services, seniors, youth, education, and arts and culture. 485 Alisal Road, Suite 272, Solvang; 805-688-2991, www.syvalleyfoundation.org
Santa Ynez Valley Historical Museum
The museum and its Parks-Janeway Carriage House celebrate the rich history of the Santa Ynez Valley, its pioneering settlers and the five early townships that formed the foundation of this unique region. 3596 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez; 806-688-7889, www.santaynezmuseum.org
Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society
The group provides and promotes humane, compassionate and conscientious care of companion animals and works to prevent their overpopulation. 111 Commerce Drive, Buellton; 805-688-8224, www.syvhumane.org
Santa Ynez Valley Master Chorale
The Master Chorale, Youth Chorale and Orchestra share a passion to learn, grow and contribute to a rich musical and social experience that is fun, creating joy in their lives and the lives of others. The chorale’s mission is to “bring music to life” in the valley. www.syvchorale.org
Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People
People Helping People has a vision that all men, women and children in its service area have the opportunity to attain self-sufficiency with dignity, are able to fulfill their potential, and live in a healthy community. 545 N. Alisal Road, Suite 102, Solvang; 805-686-0295, www.syvphp.org
Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Preschool
Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Preschool was founded in 1962 as a nonprofit, non-denominational, Christ-centered ministry that seeks to promote the spiritual, emotional, mental, physical and social development of each child in its care. 1825 Alamo Pintado Road, Ballard; 805-688-4440, www.syvpps.org
Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program
The mission of the program is to provide top-quality equine-assisted activities to children and adults with physical, cognitive, social, emotional and or other life challenges, regardless of ability to pay. 195 Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; www.syvtherapeuticriding.org
Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation
Youth Rec has raised more than $3 million in the past 62 years for local youth programs and has funded many projects at the high school, local elementary and middle schools, and public parks. www.syvyr.com
Santa Ynez Valley We Support the Troops
The Santa Ynez Valley “We Support The Troops” Association provides basic necessities of life, personal hygiene items, avenues of communication, educational materials and other basic materials to American troops serving in war zones. 806-688-8404, www.we-support-the-troops.org
St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church and Preschool
The nondenominational preschool’s goal is to follow in the rich tradition of the Episcopal Church, where educational excellence is regarded and honored. All children in the community are welcome. 2901 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos; 805-688-4454, www.smitv.org
St. Vincent’s Circle V Ranch Camp
The camp’s youth-centered programming is committed to the growth and development of children through positive, meaningful and rewarding activities. 2550 Highway 154, near Cachuma Lake; 806-688-5252, www.circlevranchcamp.org
Santa Ynez Valley school foundations
The majority of schools in the valley have nonprofit foundations in place to support their students, teachers, staff and programs. Solvang Arts and Music (SAM), for example, has been raising funds for arts and music education at Solvang School for more than 20 years. For more information on a school’s PTO, PTA, PTSA, or other supporting nonprofit group, contact your local school or visit its website.
Solvang Friendship House
Solvang Friendship House is an assisted-living center that provides seniors with a safe and comfortable community that they can call home. 880 Friendship Lane, Solvang; 805-688-8748, www.solvangfriendshiphouse.com
Solvang Senior Center
The center strives to enhance the lives of community members, ages 55 and over, by providing resources and opportunities for growth in mind, body and spirit. 1745 Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-3793, www.solvangseniorcenter.org
Solvang Festival Theater
The mission of Solvang Theaterfest is to support and promote high-quality live performing arts in the Solvang Festival Theater. 433 Second St., Solvang; 805-686-1789, www.solvangfestivaltheater.org
United Boys & Girls Club of SB County
The group’s “Formula for Impact” is making sure its programs help youth achieve three priority outcomes: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. 805-681-1315, www.unitedbg.org
United Way of Santa Barbara County
UWSBC’s mission statement is: “Right here, right now, with the Power of Partnership, we are improving lives for children, families, seniors, and you.” 805-965-8591, www.unitedwaysb.org
Veggie Rescue
Its mission is to improve the nutrition and quality of life of local people who are struggling with food insecurity by providing them healthful local produce, and to work with farmers to reduce food waste at the beginning of the food cycle. 805-350-9154, www.veggierescue.org
Vikings of Solvang
The Vikings of Solvang are a social and philanthropic organization dedicated to helping people and organizations in Santa Barbara County with medically related needs to increase everyone’s quality of life. www.vikingcharitiesinc.com
Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care
Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care provides comprehensive home health, hospice and related services necessary to promote the health and wellbeing of all community residents. 2029 Village Lane, Solvang; www.vnhcsb.org/solvang-branch, 805-965-5555
Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
The Wildling’s mission is to inspire the community and visitors to enjoy, value and conserve wildlife and natural areas through art. Its exhibits rotate constantly it has special programs for school-age children, lectures and workshops. 1511-B Mission Drive, Solvang; 805-688-1082, www.wildlingmuseum.org
YMCA
The Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA is a branch of the Channel Islands YMCA, a charitable organization providing programs based upon Christian principles to men, women, and children of all ages, races, religious beliefs, and economic status, to develop and enrich the spirit, mind and body. 900 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez; www.ciymca.org/stuartgildred, 805-686-2037
Youth Empowered
Youth Empowered is dedicated to teaching young people the value of healthy living, education, and being a positive and productive part of the community. The facility includes more than 2,500 square feet of fitness and workout areas as well as “Tutor Hall,” an on-site classroom. 320 Alisal Road, Suite 106, Solvang; www.facebook.com/YouthEmpoweredSY, 805-819-1407
Zaca Center Preschool
Recognizing that children develop at different rates and in different ways, the preschool’s curriculum is geared to the developmental needs of each individual child. 27 Six Flags Circle, Buellton; 805-688-0050, www.zacacenterpreschool.weebly.com
