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Carpinteria nonprofits highlight early‑learning, youth and enrichment programs in annual grant update
Summary
City staff and three nonprofits presented updates on the Community Services Grant program May 26, emphasizing bilingual early‑learning, expanded after‑school and summer programs, higher scholarship payouts and partnerships to increase access for low‑income families.
Ryan Benson, a city analyst, opened the meeting’s grant program segment Tuesday by summarizing the Community Services Grant (CSG) cycle and reminding council members that funded organizations must file process reports for fiscal year 2025–26.
"Este programa apoya a organizaciones sin fines de lucro que mejoran la calidad de vida para los residentes de Carpinteria," Benson said, framing the program’s focus on youth, seniors and social services.
Guadalupe Pérez, who identified herself as the director of early learning at Carpinteria Children Project, told the council the program’s support enables bilingual classroom instruction, family resource coordination and individualized services for children with developmental or language delays. She described a short video about a family whose three‑year‑old child, Eduardo, made measurable social and language gains after one‑to‑one support through the program.
"Confiamos en la familia entera. Tenemos un programa muy rico que se enfoca en el aprendizaje socioemocional," Pérez said, and noted the program connects families to diapers, food and mental‑health referrals.
Representatives of the United Boys and Girls Club described broader youth services and local operations. Melinda Cabrera and Daniana (Dayana) Darnelis said the organization serves school‑age children in Carpinteria with daily tutoring, STEAM exposure, athletics and a meals program. Cabrera reported the wider organization serves thousands of youth annually and said local scholarship levels have risen.
Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc., and Natalie Bowsar, director of development, told the council Girls Inc. relies on city grants to sustain after‑school enrichment, college‑readiness and mentorship programs. Collins said the organization has increased scholarship funding and meal service for participants.
Council members thanked the presenters and repeatedly praised the partnerships between city staff, volunteers and nonprofit providers. After brief council remarks, a member moved to accept and file the grant program reports and the council advanced to the next agenda item.
The presentations and council discussion did not enact new policy or alter funding allocations during the meeting; staff and the organizations said they would continue reporting program outcomes and any requests for next‑cycle funding in future budget discussions.
