The Santa Cruz SPCA (SCSPCA) recognizes that a community without pet over-population, abuse, neglect, homelessness, and other animal welfare issues begins, in part, with youth education and involvement. Given this, we have created fun-filled programs that help young people feel engaged and inspired as they learn about animals so they can make positive choices for their community, now and for the rest of their lives. The Santa Cruz SPCA offers a number of ways for youth to get involved. Ignite a Love for Animals at Santa Cruz SPCA Youth Camps This year’s winter camp theme is Great Animal Migrations. Kids will learn about which animals migrate, hibernate or adapt during…
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Local Parents Find a Circle of Support in Aptos
The journey of pregnancy, birth and parenting is humbling, joyful, vulnerable and more than a little exhausting. And while many families navigate this season of life with minimal support, there is a team in Aptos trying to change this reality. Nestled near the beach in Seacliff, The Circle Family Center is a refuge for local families. Run by a team of mothers and birth workers, The Circle opened its doors three years ago with the vision of creating a community for families during pregnancy, birth, and the early years of parenthood. With offerings like Pre & Postnatal Yoga, Childbirth Education, Infant Enrichment, Dads Groups, and Toddler Messy Play, this space…
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Early Education Local Families Can Trust
Choosing the right early education program for your child is a critical decision that shapes their foundation for future learning. For families in the San Lorenzo Valley, Community Bridges’ Early Education Division (EED) offers a trusted option that stands out for its quality, commitment to child development, and strong parent engagement. The Highlands Park Early Education Center, a gem nestled in the majestic redwoods in Ben Lomond and alongside the San Lorenzo River, provides a nurturing environment for children aged 18 months to 5 years old. Here, children can grow, learn and thrive in a setting that feels like an extension of their own home. What Sets Highlands Park Early…
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Big Brothers Big Sisters: Empowering Trans Youth
“I want to change the world by making it much more friendly for trans people”. –Neal, a young trans girl. At a time when the journey for gender inclusivity and support is more critical than ever, local programs are stepping up to make a meaningful impact on the lives of transgender youth. These initiatives are providing essential resources, fostering community, and advocating for the well-being of trans kids, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. One standout initiative in our community is Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), a local organization dedicated to supporting transgender and non-binary youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters created one of the first LGBTQ Youth…
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More Than Just a Backpack
For 15 years, United Way of Santa Cruz County and the County Office of Education have partnered to make Stuff the Bus a vital source of assistance and encouragement for students. The primary goal is simple yet profound: to provide new backpacks and school supplies to over 2,700 students in need across Santa Cruz County. This mission goes far beyond just handing out supplies; it’s about instilling confidence and readiness in young learners as they embark on a new school year. At United Way, we firmly believe that when youth thrive, the entire community thrives. This event embodies our commitment to youth well-being and the power of community support. “In…
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Technology Helps Level the Playing Field for Those with Disabilities
As Tom Wlodkowski walked through San Francisco Airport on his way to a conference, people frequently approached him, asking if he needed help. Blind since birth and using a cane, he continued navigating the complex maze of the airport, a challenge even for someone with sight, while declining offers of assistance. “No, thanks,” he told them. “I’ve got it.” His tool was an iPhone, on which other sighted people were looking at the maze and guiding him step by step. “Technology has been the great equalizer,” he said in an interview. “The iPhone has been a great invention for us.” Wlodkowski is a huge inspiration at Comcast. As the vice…
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A Triumph of Potential: From Overlooked Youth to Rising Stars
As the bright lights illuminated the Santa Cruz TEDx stage, Alex and Martín stood side-by-side with me, their presence commanding the audience’s attention. These two young men from Santa Cruz County are a living embodiment of the life-changing power of believing in hidden talent. For Alex, the journey began years earlier on a court at the YMCA where I was coaching basketball. I love sports and volunteered to coach the team that no one else wanted – a crew of eight boys, including Alex. We didn’t win a single game. People would make fun of our losing streaks. To lift my team’s spirits, I reached out to the Golden State…
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Tech Exec Breaks Through
Someone once told Tracye Mingo, “Don’t get mad when you are underestimated. Be glad. Because they will never see you coming.” That person was her father and number one mentor. Tracye carried those words throughout her career in technology, ultimately becoming the Vice President of Technical Operations at Comcast California. For parents eager to see their children pursue a career in STEM, Tracye’s story is especially inspiring because she was able to pursue a high-paying career in technology without obtaining a degree from a four-year (or longer) college. This saved her significant time and expense, and enabled her to seize opportunities to propel her career forward quickly. As a Black…
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Shared Adventures Helps Disabled Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The name says it all! What Foster Andersen, founder and CEO, has cultivated over the past 30 years is many Shared Adventures for the disabled community. The non-profit organizes activities for disabled folks so they can do what they thought they couldn’t. This isn’t just activities like rock-wall climbing, sailing, kayaking, whale watching, gardening and archery. Many disabled people struggle with not feeling capable of doing some of the things that those of us who have not suffered some sort of injury, congenital or birth anomaly take for granted. “When I started Shared Adventures, I was filling a void,” said Foster. “The disabled community was so disconnected from itself. I…
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Birthday Battle Royale at the Children’s Museum
We’ve had a lot of the usual birthday parties for our 8-year-old son—bowling, the Boardwalk, Blue Ball Park— but nothing topped going to a local museum with Nerf guns locked and loaded to shoot your guests. Think Night at the Museum meets Terminator and you’ve made a lot of boys’ dreams come true. It sounds crazy, right? But the Children’s Museum of Discovery in the Capitola Mall has stretched the boundaries of what a museum can be and has come up with a party like none other. For two hours, kids get to run amok with Nerf blasters. They can bring their own guns or the museum supplies them. It…
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It Is Not Just a Housing Project. It Is a CommUNITY!
Growing up in the housing projects in NYC shaped the very essence of my being. While there were physical barriers present, they were not the focal points of my upbringing. Instead, the essence of my community was rooted in the resilience and unity of its people, transcending the limitations imposed by external circumstances. In the narrative often associated with housing projects, the emphasis tends to be on the seeming challenges—tall buildings, economic disparities, and various barriers that seemingly dictate the destiny of those who call these places home. However, my story diverges from this narrative. It is a tale of a thriving community, where the focus was not on how…
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Kids Learn Good Nutrition is Cool at Cooking Clubs
“Ewww…it’s so green – I don’t want to eat that!” When kids first join one of Second Harvest Food Bank’s Cooking Clubs, this can be a common reaction to the Vegetarian Pesto Pasta recipe. But rather than being an obstacle, it becomes an ideal learning opportunity. “Our Cooking Clubs are all about exposure,” said Vanessa Arizmendi, Wellness and Nutrition Director for Second Harvest Food Bank. “They are designed to introduce young people to nutrition concepts, ingredients, spices, cultural dishes, and other food-related concepts that support a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We want to open their minds and their taste buds!” Second Harvest’s overall mission is to address the…
