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Communify urges SBCAG members for urgent Head Start bridge funding as federal review lags
Summary
Pat Keelan, CEO of Communify, told the November 20 SBCAG board that a delayed federal review of the organization’s Head Start grant risks a Jan. 1 program pause that could affect 267 children and prompt WARN notices for 97 staff; she asked member jurisdictions to consider emergency bridge funding of about $1.1 million for January operations.
Pat Keelan, CEO of Communify, told the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments board on Nov. 20 that the federal government shutdown delayed the Office of Head Start’s review of Communify’s timely 5‑year grant application and put the agency at risk of losing funding on Jan. 1. "We submitted our regular 5‑year grant in September, on time, but due to the federal shutdown the Office of Head Start has not yet reviewed that grant," Keelan said, adding that the program now faces a possible closure on Jan. 1.
Keelan said Communify has issued WARN notices to 97 employees — including teachers, teaching assistants, managers and family support workers — who would be released on Jan. 2 if bridge funding is not secured. She told the board the program serves 19 centers across the county, from Carpinteria to Guadalupe and Cuyama, and estimated about 267 children and families would lose service if the program closes. "We are in need of approximately $1,100,000 in January alone to continue operations of the Head Start program and continue to serve these 267 families," she said.
Board members responded by thanking Keelan and asking how local governments could help. Director Lee asked specifically what SBCAG or member jurisdictions could do; Keelan said Communify is pursuing several options, including work with the Santa Barbara Foundation and Foundation Roundtable on forgivable loan or zero‑interest bridge funding and urged consideration of prorated, per‑child municipal contributions. "We're open to working with any of you to explore options," she said.
Vice Chair Nelson and other board members acknowledged the concern and said they would return to their jurisdictions to explore local options and philanthropic avenues. No board action was taken during the meeting; Keelan’s remarks were heard during the general public comment period and the board indicated intent to pursue follow‑up discussions at the jurisdictional level.
What’s next: Communify said it is coordinating with Congressman Salud Carbajal’s office, state legislators and philanthropic partners while seeking short‑term local support. Board members asked staff to help surface possible local funding pathways and to report back if formal regional action is needed.
