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April at South SLO County Womenade is always EXCITING!

April was chocked full of activities!


Newsletter April 25, 2025


Update on Potluck and Raffle

The Potluck Fundraiser at Ann McDowell’s home had 45 people in attendance and was a roaring success! At the start of the event the agencies who attended each gave a brief overview of their mission.  For the benefit of the many first timers in attendance, Ann recounted the history of San Luis Obispo County Womenade and South SLO County Womenade.  The founder of the original Womenade, Sandy Richardson was at the event. We announced that Elaine Stewart, Sandy’s daughter, is reforming Womenade SLO and hopes to be active very soon in the city of San Luis Obispo.


The main draw of the potluck was our annual raffle.  There were over 50 prizes ranging from handmade napkins and candles, to commissioned artwork and restaurant meals.  There were so many prize winners, and ooo’s and ahhh’s were heard throughout the yard as the prizes were awarded.


The raffle ran from March 17th to April 17th and raised nearly $13,000!  We send our appreciation to Caity McCardell, the raffle organizer, for an amazing job!  Many, many thanks to all the prize donors and  monetary donors.


Hygiene Drive


As I write this newsletter the Hygiene Drive has just a few days to run.  It is too late to order from our Amazon Wish List and be assured the items will get here before we pack it all up and deliver them,. You can still purchase items locally and deliver them to any of the drop off locations by April 30th.


If you have already donated, we are so very grateful.  If you haven’t and would like to consider doing so, here is a list of the most needed items.


Baby / Child

  • Diapers

  • Baby Wipes

  • Baby Shampoo/Wash

  • Toothbrush /Toothpaste

Adult

  • Deodorant

  • Feminine Hygiene products – Pads and Tampons

  • Razors

  • Shampoo

  • Soap Bars or Body Wash

  • Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

If you shop locally, drop off locations are:


Cypress Ridge

  • Sue McCutcheon - 2342 Willet Way, Arroyo Grande

  • Lola Zybura - 2367 Brant St, Arroyo Grande

  • Fit Forever Gym - 1080 Cypress Ridge Pkwy, Arroyo Grande

Trilogy

  • Judy Woo - 1402 Vista Tesoro Pl., Nipomo

  • BJ Bushur– 1410 Penelope Ct, Nipomo

 Arroyo Grande

  • Lisa Murdoch - 117 Pearwood Avenue, Arroyo Grande

  • Nan Fowler – 630 Cerro Vista Circle, Arroyo Grande

 Avila Beach

  • Elizabeth Sewell – Avila Bay Club, 6699 Bay Laurel Pl, Avila Beach

Grover Beach

  • Ann McDowell – 1793 Farroll Rd, Grover Beach

Blacklake

  • Marilyn Mullany - 640 Shelter Ridge, Nipomo, CA 93444


Projects Update


Laundry Pop-Up - Project Leaders - Belinda Benassi and Terri Zelinski and Beth Hirsch


The May events are taking place on May 3rd at Launderiaaundre Mat, 505 Orchard Rd. Nipomo; May 17th Laundromat, 119 S. 13th St., Grover Beach, CA, Hours: 10 am - 12 pm.


Both locations need volunteers for May. To offer opportunities for volunteers to sign up in advance for the event site and dates of their choosing Belinda put together this Sign-Up Genius.  Please scroll down to find the current calendar year. https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0B44AEA82DAAF9C52-50105745-2024


Jesse, one of the regular clients at the Laundry Pop-Up sent a lovely note of appreciation and gave us permission to share it with you along with his picture.


“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to Belinda and the team from South SLO County Womenade.


For many months now, me and others in the five cites have benefited greatly by the free laundry service the Womenade team have provided. With the rising cost of food, gas and other necessities, the free laundry service has been a complete blessing.


Additionally, we always enjoy seeing the Womenade ladies at the free laundry event -always serving graciously and with a smile.  


Thank you Womenade ladies for all you do for our community.  You make a difference. 


Jesse P.


Arroyo Grande, California “


Nipomo Food Distribution – Rosemary Cleaves, Sue McCutcheon, and Mary Anne Morgan - project leaders



The April Food distribution was on Tuesday April 8th from 4:30PM to 6:30PM at the Nipomo Elementary School (always the second Tuesday of the month). Due to the uncertainties in our community we have been in a quandary about how many families will show up each month.  The SLO Foodbank was prepared with a generous amount of food, and we served 370 famines!  Unfortunately many of our field workers are still working in the fields due to daylight savings time and can’t make it before we close down at 6:30..

 

We work with the SLO FoodBank and Nipomo Elementary School to make the Food Distribution happen. Thank you SLO Foodbank and all our fabulous volunteers! Let us know if you want to be on the substitute list. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, May 13th.


We Love Educators – Lisa Arakaki project leader


We Love Educators (WLE) Volunteers for Teachers Project is a group of in-class volunteers—many who are retired educators—who want to show appreciation and encouragement for South SLO County teachers, especially those who are new to the district and/or profession. 


Anyone interested in learning more and/or signing up to volunteer (in elementary schools) can fill out this online Google Form: Interest/Sign-Up Form for SSCW's "We Love Educators - Volunteers for Teachers" Project which goes directly to project leader Lisa Arakaki.


The teachers, volunteers and students have expressed much appreciation for having volunteers in the classroom. The project currently has 17 volunteers in 6 elementary schools.


Alex Kramer, one of the Classroom Volunteers wrote the following about her experience:


“Each week I look forward to going to Nipomo Elementary School to help first & third graders with reading & writing. It’s a pleasure to support learning & literacy which are so important to me & it makes me appreciate being able to easily read & write. On my first visit, the third graders told me about their favorite books, & one title I heard most was "The Wild Robot” which I read & loved!  Looking forward to its sequel.”


Items Needed

  • Toilet paper

  • Diapers

  • Pack n Plays

  • Laundry detergent


Update on Funds Received


3/1/25 TO 3/31/25             $6,133.87


1/1/25 TO 3/31/25           $17,606.73


2/1/2019 TO 3/31/25   $670,401.33



Thanks to our March Donors


Emily Myhre, Linda and Bradley Wilber, Rosemary Cleaves (2), Fran Norris, Shasta Brander, Gitta Westra, Carol Joyce ,Michelle Meder, Sue Sacks, Liz Wilkes, Elise Carraway, Lola Zybura (2), Marcella Gelman (2), Karen Kolba (2), Sheila and Richard Semana (2), Linda Busek, Mary De Jong, Liz Fritz, Joann and Stan Benson, Olive and Mike Shu, Elaine Stewart, Cory Gonzalez, Wendy Castleman (2), Christine Mateer, Linda Burke, Phyllis Sims, Lenore Spelbring, Sandy Strohman, Lori Connolly, Anita Shower (2), Gwen Carton, Jayne Turner, Lynda Burnsed, Deb Sherry, Vicki Fesler, Linda Busek, Mary Anne Morgan and Madeline Fay (4), Madeline Stevenson, Fran Norris, Heidi Boatman, Ardie Heinrich, Deb Sherry, Lynn Heinrich (2), Kathie La Martina, Candace Guldeman, Susan McCutcheon (2), Karen Brown,  Sandra (Gay) Anderson, Andrea Chavez, Jann Jeffries, Barbara Crawford, Nan Fowler, Belinda Benass, Vicky Sady, Gail Applegate, Marcy Warkentin, Kathleen Norris, Linda Walker-Hill, Jean Leavitt , Carol Chenot, Wanda Cook, Caity McCardell, BethAnne Dowlan, Ann McDowell, Sharon McDaniel, Dana Robertson, Jessica Griffiths, Debra Jackson, Kathy Forenza, Deborah Nesset, Robin Pisz


Where the Money Went


Casa Solana – Renée Poirier – Executive Director

  • Casa Solana was able to provide a gift bed for a young woman in her 20s. She paid for her first two months but was unable to pay for her third month.She is doing well in her recovery and recently returned to work $800 Gift Bed


Nipomo Family Resource Center – Advocate Mary Mullany (supervisor)

  • Single mother struggling w/ no income, waiting for cal works approval. This helps cover vehicle repair for family. Helps ensure mom gets to mental health appt and childcare. $342 Jason Stewart Car repair

  • Pregnant teen mom and family in need of rental support this month.$300 ACT Finance (landlord)

  • Family just moved to Nipomo from SLO. Student has glasses prescription but family has not been able to afford to buy the glasses. Purchased glasses for student through Costco. $80 Costco

  • Single dad received an eviction notice after asking landlord for carpet cleaning. Needs to pay full rent for March to stay in home. Supported with partial payment of the rent. $300 Cary L. Geihs (landlord)

  • Single mom with two kids. Mom lost wages due to rain this month. She will be picking up a second job in April to supplement her income. Supported with partial rent payment. $300 Roosevelt Family Apartments (landlord)


Oceano Family Resource Center – Advocate Stella Medina

  • Family of 6 in need of financial support with their PG+E bill. Client gave birth on 3/7 & is waiting for her SDI to be process and approved. $80 PG&E$100 Oceano Community Service District

  • Single mother is taking time off work as she has a child facing significant difficulties and challenges with everyday life. She has applied for PFL but has not received benefit. She needs assistance with car insurance. $84.20 Blue Fire Insurance and internet $150 Spectrum

  • Single mother of a 5yr old daughter moved here from Oregon to get away from an abusive partner. They were able to take a small bag of clothing with them. Client needs clothes for herself $100 Marshalls


Arroyo Grande Family Resource Center – Cinthyia Ortiz-Corona

  • Family of 5 currently doubled up, is struggling with employment due to the off season. Requested support with passport renewal fee. $100 US Department of State

  • Family of four is struggling with covering this month’s rent due to car breaking down and the auto repair cost that affected their ability to work for 3 weeks $400 Bjerre+Garcia Realty Inc

  • Family of three previously doubled up had housemate unexpectedly move out. Needs support with partial rent payment this month $300 Murshed Properties LLC

  • Family of 6 are struggling with household bills. Father's income has significantly decreased due to recent rain. Late with both service bills. $92.54 PG&E, $108.57 So Cal Gas

  • Family of 6 struggling after HOH had car accident affecting work and type of employment they can accept. Behind on service bills. $203.32 So Cal Gas $100 PG&E


  Nutrition Team – Mary Anne Morgan leader

  • Food for Lopez High School Food Pantry $208.75 SLO Food Bank


5 Cities Homeless Coalition – Janna Nichols Executive Director

  • Single adult female recently moved into Cabins for Change program. She is currently employed but her car has been breaking down and she has had to miss work. 5CHC was able to utilize Womenade funds to pay a portion of the vehicle repair so she has a working vehicle to get to and from work.$298 Beach Front Auto - Car repair

  • Elderly female recently moved out of Balay Ko on Barca into low-income senior housing. She requested assistance with purchasing a good blender to help with meal preparation due to her lack of teeth. $75.99 Amazon – Blender

  • Client in Jail to Community Program was recently released from incarceration and has secured a bed at a sober living home with the help of his case manager. He only had the clothes that he entered jail with and requested assistance with some daily clothing, sleepwear, and clothes for job interviews. $111.11 Ross – Clothing


Lopez High School – Keith Gledhill- Principal; Aurora Munoz – Admin

  • World Market/Tea for Womenade Tea $46.70

  • 2 Cap & Gown Scholarships $120

  • PBIS Wolf Market supplies - Snacks and coloring pencils, sketching pads, cup noodles $15.24

  • Womenade Tea party supplies $145.21

 

Lopez High School Wolf Den – Heidi Boatman

  • No expenses


Lucia Mar Adult Education – Jennifer Bowen, Principal

  • No expenses


Families in Transition – Wendy Bruse Coordinator of After School Programs, Deicy Trejo

  • Unaccompanied youth reached out for assistance with transportation. Caregivers have not been able to pick him up and he has to travel from G.B to Nipomo for school. $37 RTA-Regional bus pass

  • Students have been missing school when it rains, parent said they don't like walking in the rain as they get soaked, and their parents leave too early to take them. They are struggling with monthly expenses and never seem to have enough left over at the end of the month. $75.11 Purchased 2 rain coats and 2 umbrellas

  • Unaccompanied youth reached out for assistance for a graduate ticket for his senior trip. Student is independent and had his hours cut this month, making him short on the payment. FIT was able to purchase the senior night ticket for him to attend with his senior class. $155 Grad Night Ticket

  • Purchased Toiletries. $197.33 Toiletries

  • A mom has been struggling with her 2 students to get them to school on time. She says they refuse to wake up on time after multiple calls to them. She would like to try to get an alarm clock for them to work on better habits.$11.12 Alarm Clock

  • Newcomer student will be attending her first trip to science camp. Family is not fully working and the student is missing essential items for the trip $69 Purchased duffle bag, shower sandals, flashlight, sleeping bag, reusable water bottle, weather jacket

  • Newcomer student will be attending his first trip to science camp. Family is new to the area, they are renting a single room and have a family of seven living there. They have been through a lot of trauma, and are just getting their work established. Student needs support with basic needs for his trip $62.59 Purchased baseball cap, sleeping bag, flashlight, travel size toiletries, reusable water bottle, weather jacket.

  • Parent reached out for support with a science camp trip for her 6th grader. Only one parent is working and their rent is very high. $45 Purchased sleeping bag, travel size toiletries, flashlight, reusable water bottle

  • Student reached out, family will not be working stable until the end of the month, when strawberry season begins. He needs assistance with getting a duffle bag and pillow for science camp.$18.34 Purchased duffle bag and pillow


Pregnancy and Parenting Support – Cami Statler Executive director

  • Funds were used to purchase a Pack N Play for a single father who is economically disadvantaged and did not have a safe place to sleep his newborn baby.$65.24 Target


Mission Hope – Katie Crafton – Oncology Social Worker

  • No expenses


The Link – Advocates – Mesa Middle and Judkins Middle -Yuliana Molina; Paulding Middle –Christi Molina

  • Mom requesting financial support with family’s rent. Mom is the only working adult at the moment, dad got laid off work. Rent is $1,595. Family has part of their rent, $500 is needed to complete the rest.$500 Rent Assistance

  • Mom going through a divorce with student’s father. Mom needed to find new housing for her and student. Student has an emotional support pet, new landlord is requesting a security deposit for a pet Rent Assistance $300

  • Mother of two children. Just moved back to the area. Work hours went from full time to part time not by choice. Family is struggling financially. Mother requested assistance with utility bill.$182.88 PG&E


SLO County Office Of Education CSPP – (California Pre-School Programs) – Shannon Pimentel Program Coordinator

  • No Expenses


Department of Social Services – Theresa Johnson – Division Manager

  • A homeless participant living out of her vehicle, wanted her personal belongings out of her storage before the items were going to be given away $363 JE Storage Bill Assistance


County Nurses – Meryl Castro – County Nurse Supervisor

  • Diapers $600

 

C.A.R.E.4Paws – Libby Williams-Cabral – area administrator

  • Low income Nipomo family. Their 7yr old dog was having a hard time breathing and was wheezing a lot. Could not catch her breath. This intense wheezing continued for 2 days and the family was really worried knowing they would need some assistance to help figure out what was wrong. It was determined she was having an allergic reaction. A special medication helped her recover. The family is incredibly thankful for this help. $100 Atascadero Pet Hospital

  • Young, disabled woman on government assistance (has $60 to spare after paying rent) 5 month old female kitten with eye issues & unthrifty appearance. Her eyes have not been become very cloudy. Turns out the cat has multiple issues with the eye. Cat needed blood tests with $175 paid of $480 total bill.

  • A low-income family staying in Pismo sought help for their 9yr old dog, who stopped eating.Vet did many tests and family needed assistance with part of the cost. $150 Pismo Beach Vet


People’s Self Help Housing –  Joanna Domínguez - Director of Resource Development

  • Resident is single parent, with 14 year old daughter. Daughter has Cystic Fibrosis, and dad has applied for SSDI about 6 months ago, process is moving along. Dad works for IHSS and has not had full time work until new patient assignment 1 week ago. This SW is also applying for HEAP for utilities which are significantly behind as well. $500

  • Client is a single senior female client. Recently she had to fly to Florida to say her final goodbyes to her father. This has taken a toll on her emotional and financial state. She only has a government fixed income. Client is requesting assistance with funds to pay for food, past due bills and car items. She is requesting $490. There is a $6.88 charge for the purchase of a prepaid debit card. If assisted client will be able to eat and keep her home moving forward. Next month’s expenses will be back to normal, and she will be self-sufficient. $494.94

  • Client is a single mother of 3 young children and one to be born. Client just moved in to our site and is in a lot of need for all things home related. Client needs dishes, blankets, food, cleaning supply, etc. To avoid any lease violations the client needs to keep up with her housecleaning. Client is requesting $300 to buy food, clothing, dishes and especially house cleaning supplies. If assisted a single mother will be able to keep and maintain the place $300

  • Client is a single mother of 3 young children. Recently her rent has gone up, her tax return is on hold during a case appeal and have given birth recently she is having a hard time finding a babysitter for her kids. Client needs funds to pay for home items. She has used all income to pay rent and basic food items. She needs to now pay for gas, cleaning items, clothes, etc. If assisted a single mother of 3 children will have food on the table and be able to take her kids to school and medical appointments. Client hopes to return to work next month $300 Walmart


Laundry Pop Up

  • $500 in Quarters for the 2 pop up projects


HOW TO DONATE: 


To make a donation write a check to South SLO County Womenade and mail to:

  • Our bank asked that checks be made out with the full legal name on the account.


    South SLO County Womenade, 1793 Farroll Rd., Grover Beach, CA 93433.  We encourage you to become one of our monthly or regular donors.  This can be easily done through your bank or charitable foundation. Please remember that if your company has a matching grants program to include us.  As you make or update your wills, please consider adding a legacy gift to us for our future sustainability.



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South SLO County Womenade

1793 Farroll Rd.

Grover Beach, CA 93433

 
 
 

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