At its heart, United Way of Santa Cruz County is about connection: helping families find support, preparing neighbors to face challenges, and empowering youth to lead. This fall, as families settle into school routines and think about safety at home, we are reminded that resilience comes from the strength of our community.
Preparedness In Action
Santa Cruz County has faced its share of wildfires, storms, and earthquakes. Being prepared for the unexpected isn’t just about checklists; it’s about knowing where to turn and who you can count on. Through United4Community, United Way provides resources that make preparedness practical and approachable. One of our favorite tools is the Listos California Neighborhood Block Party Kit, which turns disaster readiness into a family activity.
Neighbors and friends gather, share contact information, play games, and walk away feeling more confident about what to do when every minute matters. The message behind it is simple but powerful: while first responders are vital, the very first to act are often neighbors, friends, and family.
Preparedness also means knowing our own strengths. At recent Listos summits, participants explored their “Disaster Ready Personality” – some are quick to check on neighbors, while others carefully gather information before acting. By understanding our tendencies and those of the people around us, we create networks to lean on when challenges arise. And when emergencies happen, 211 – United Way’s free, 24/7 helpline, is there to connect people with food, housing, disaster relief, and mental health care.
United4Youth: The Power Of Young Voices
Preparedness is also about preparing the next generation to lead. That’s the heart of United4Youth, where young people in Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Capitola are raising their voices and designing solutions to real community challenges.
Youth leaders are addressing issues like mental health, civic engagement, and equity. One student recently shared how being part of United4Youth gave them the courage to speak up for classmates and advocate for more resources at school. That kind of leadership is a form of resilience too, equipping young people not just to face emergencies, but to create healthier, stronger communities for the future.
Global observances this month, like conversations around mental health and food security, echo the work our youth are already leading locally. They remind us that big issues become solvable when we trust young leaders to take the microphone and shape the solutions.
The Power Of Community Support
None of this work happens alone. United Way’s impact is made possible by the generosity of donors who give through payroll campaigns, contributions from local foundations, partnerships with government agencies, and the ongoing support of our broader community These investments allow United Way to respond quickly in times of crisis, sustain long-term initiatives like United4Youth, and ensure 211 remains available for every family, every hour of every day.
When neighbors give, advocate, or volunteer, they are fueling preparedness, youth empowerment, and community resilience across Santa Cruz County.
Every backpack distributed, every block party kit shared, every youth voice amplified is made possible by people who believe in showing up for one another.
United Is The Way
For 85 years, United Way has been the place where neighbors come together to solve problems bigger than any one of us. From disaster readiness to youth empowerment, from food access to 211’s safety net, United Way is committed to ensuring dignity, possibility, and resilience for every resident.
As the year continues, we’ll keep lifting up the many ways our community shows up for one another, whether it’s honoring caregivers, celebrating veterans, or joining millions on Giving Tuesday and International Volunteer Day. Each is a reminder that resilience takes many forms: generosity, service, and connection.
This October, whether you’re running through a fire drill at home, practicing the earthquake “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” or simply having a conversation with your kids about “what if” scenarios, remember: preparedness is not just about emergencies. It’s about people. It’s about relationships. It’s about showing up.
Join us! Whether by giving, volunteering, or simply sharing these resources with a neighbor. Learn more at unitedwaysc.org. Because when we live united, we all thrive.
Comcast is proud to sponsor this column, which features the great work of non-profit groups supporting the Santa Cruz community.
