Happy Fall! We have so much to share with you! Have a good read!
- Rosemary Cleaves
- Sep 26
- 14 min read
Let Me Introduce You To…
South SLO County is continuing to push the boundaries in our search for ways to help people in need in our community. We recently partnered with four more agencies. They all are non-profits and fit our model of helping low-income people in south SLO County with urgent or emergency needs.
Child Advocacy Center
Child Advocacy Center - A powerful collaboration committed to ensuring the health, safety, and empowerment of all young people. At the Child Advocacy Center of San Luis Obispo County, they assist young survivors of abuse, assault, and neglect in recovering from their traumatic experiences. Their team of dedicated professionals specializes in helping children and their families heal from the impact of trauma, regardless of their age, culture, or religious beliefs. They approach each child and family with respect and empathy. It is sponsored for their 501(c)(3) status through Center for Family Strengthening.
Martha’s Place
Martha’s Place is a San Luis Obispo County Health Agency program where Mental Health and Public Health are integrated to provide expert, multidisciplinary assessments and individual and family therapy for infants and young children (ages 0-5) who exhibit extreme behavioral concerns, developmental delays, an
d known prenatal substance exposure. Youth may receive a mental health assessment and /or a specialized pediatric assessment depending on their specific needs. Case management services are provided to connect families with resources, and some medication management is provided by the pediatrician. It is sponsored for their 501(c)(3) status through Center for Family Strengthening.
Mujeres de Acción
Mujeres de Acción is a grassroots community organization located in San Luis Obispo County and founded by local resident Yessenia Echevarria. Founded in 2014, their mission is to help local Latinos acquire the resources and knowledge to successfully navigate challenges including breast cancer, acclimating to the United States, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently they have started branching into South SLO County to work with DACA, undocumented, no doc, mixed status individuals in our community. It is sponsored for their 501(c)(3) status through Ecologistics.
Welcome Home Military Heroes
Welcome Home Military Heroes is a Veteran-run nonprofit organization based on the Central Coast, dedicated to honoring and supporting our local military heroes and their families. Their mission is to unite the community by recognizing the sacrifices made by our service members. With over 12 distinct initiatives and collaborations with nearly four dozen veteran nonprofits and government agencies, they strive to uplift the lives of those who have served and continue to serve our country through our events and partnerships. South SLO County Womenade will work with their “Veteran in Need Project” It is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Next Potluck with a Twist
Our next potluck will be hosted by South SLO County Womenade. We would love to increase the number of Womenaders in South SLO County. We are encouraging one and all to attend our next potluck on October 9th at 6PM in Arroyo Grande.
THE TWIST: We have a donation of a Gift Certificate for a Two Night Stay at the SeaCrest Ocean Front Hotel in an Ocean View Room in Pismo Beach. This is a “regift” of the certificate from the SLO Symphony in Bloom 2025 Fundraiser, and the winner can’t use it and is giving it to us! So, we are going to use it as a prize for one of the guests at our October 9th potluck who brings 1 or more first time attendees with them. The more guests the more chances to win this fabulous “Staycation”!
We invite each and every one of you to help us reach new audiences and boost new attendees at our next potluck events. Please consider inviting a friend to join you. Start talking with them about it now! We’d love to meet them and for them to meet us! Evites will go out the last week of September.
Projects Update
We Love Educators – Lisa Arakaki project leader
Are you looking for a way to show support for South SLO County educators? Consider volunteering in an elementary classroom through Womenade's "We Love Educators - Volunteers for Teachers" project! We work closely with the school district's Human Resources office to match volunteers with teachers who request in-class help. Our priority is to honor volunteers' desired schedules, school sites, grade levels, and subjects as much as possible. Lucia Mar Unified School District ( LMUSD) vets all volunteers directly, including fingerprinting processed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI. Go to LMUSD's Human Resources web page for thorough instructions to register as a volunteer: Lucia Mar Unified School District Visitors & Volunteers - Human Resources Questions? Email Lisa Arakaki, project leader WeLoveEducators@gmail.com
Laundry Pop-Up
Both our Laundry Pop-ups are very successful. On September 5 In Nipomo, they did 61 loads of laundry and used $238.25 in quarters. The day started a little slowly, but almost every washing machine and dryer (that work!) were going when we left. A young man went next door to the bakery and bought us each a sweet roll to express his appreciation. Volunteers were Terri, Beth, Donna and Lane. Thank you!
On September 20 in Grover Beach, they did 87 loads of laundry and used $300.75 in quarters! There were people waiting for the team upon arrival. Volunteer Beth made a connection with an older couple who came in to do their laundry. She was speaking with the husband, who did not respond to her offer to pay for his laundry. But then the wife arrived with the rest of their wash. Beth learned that the couple had to be out of their home for a few hours while their house was being fumigated. The wife decided it would be a good idea to head to the laundromat to do their laundry and get rid of any ants in their bedding. She was very thankful for the financial assistance. The husband is in the beginning stages of dementia, accompanied by aphasia. It was obvious from watching her speak with Beth that she appreciated her sympathy and concern. It is not very often that you see strangers hug in a laundromat but today was one of those rare days. Volunteers were Terri, Beth, and new volunteers, Carolyn and Heidi, who did a fantastic job.
The next Laundry Pop-Ups are:
October 4th in Nipomo at Launderia Laundre Mat 505 Orchard Rd, Nipomo from 9:00 to 11:00AM
Saturday October 18th at Washboard Laundromat, 111 S. Halcyon Rd. Arroyo Grande Hours: 10 am - 12pm.
Check out the Sign Up Genius for opportunities to volunteer:
Nipomo Food Distribution – Rosemary Cleaves, Sue McCutcheon, and Mary Anne Morgan - project leaders
We work with the SLO FoodBank and the Lucia Mar school district at Nipomo Elementary School to make the Food Distribution happen. Let us know if you want to be on the substitute list. The next distribution will be on Tuesday, October 14th from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at Nipomo Elementary School, 190 E. Price Street, Nipomo.
Help and Items Needed
A project leader for the Toiletries Drive next April – Training and assistance available
A drop off location in Arroyo Grande proper for Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive November 10 to November 14.
Volunteers to help with committee work on the Thanksgiving and Winter Break Basket Projects
Volunteers for the Laundry Pop UP Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0B44AEA82DAAF9C52-50105745-2024
Toilet paper
Diapers
Pack n Plays
Child safety items – drawer and cabinet locks and gates
Laundry detergent
Update on Funds Received
8/1/25 TO 8/31/25 $13,732.48
1/1/25 TO 8/31/25 $77,123.37
2/1/2019 TO 8/31/25 $729,917.87
Thanks to August Donors
Anita Shower , Barbara Crawford , Caity McCardell, Carol Chenot (2), Cindy Reid, Cory Gonzalez, Dana Robertson, David Blakely, Debra Jackson, Donna MacCarley, Elaine Stewart, Fran Norris, Gail Applegate, Gee Gee (Joyce) Southward, Gertraud Garner, Grocery Safeway-Albertsons, Jean Graham, Jean Leavitt, Jenny Weaver, Joann and Stan Benson, Karen and William Steves, Karen Kolba, Libby Cabral, Linda and Bradley Wilbert, Linda Busek, Liz Fritz, Lola Zybura (3), Marie Dadisman, Marilyn Mullany, Mary Anne Morgan and Madeline Fay (2), Olive and Mike Shu, Phyllis Sims , Rosemary Cleaves (2), Sandy Richardson, Sheila and Richard Semana, Stacy Murphy, Susan Josephson, Susan Josephson (2), Susan Josephson , Susan McCutcheon (2), Tineke Stel, Wendy Castleman
Where the Money Went
Casa Solana – Renée Poirier – Executive Director
Casa Solana was able to provide a gift bed for a second month to a woman in her 30's, she has a four-year-old who is currently in foster care.She has found employment and will be able to pay her own rent next month. She will also be going to our graduate house to continue her recovery $800 gift bed
Nipomo Family Resource Center – Advocate Mary Mullany (supervisor)
Single parent, struggling financially. She is requesting assistance with PG&E bill. $95 PG&E
Oceano Family Resource Center – Advocate Stella Medina
Teen parent (In foster care program) in need of a new car battery to travel with his son to and from Oregon. Court ordered shared custody and he has to pick his son up next week. $232.34 Interstate Batteries
Mother recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. She is a self-employed daycare provider and will need to close her business until she recovers. Family needs support with partial PG &E bill $300 PG&E
Teen parent needs to activate phone for navigation and safety while he travels to pick his son up in Redding. $55.49 Straight Talk Wireless
Single mom of two children, on leave to take her son to therapy and develop safety plan due to CWS involvement. Behind on bills and unable to pay PG&E bill. Need support with partial payment. $200 PG&E
Homeless family with chronic health condition has the opportunity to become housed needs assistance for a credit check. $95 The Duncan Group
Arroyo Grande Family Resource Center – Cinthyia Ortiz-Corona
Family of 4 struggling w/ homelessness for over two years recently housed and requested support w/ covering propane tank that be source for heating and cooking. $303.81 Superior Plus Propane
Single mom is experiencing financial stress. Her teen son has struggled with body image and routine. Flex classes help with his mental health. (3 months of lessons) $127.50 Flex Performing Arts
Nutrition Team – Mary Anne Morgan leader
Food for the Lopez High School Food Pantry $162.70 SLO Foodbank
5 Cities Homeless Coalition – Janna Nichols Executive Director
Client currently experiencing homelessness and needed a copy of his driving record so he can work on getting his driver's license back. Also in need of an organizational binder to keep important documents. $9.30 DMV/Walmart
Young couple lost housing in Los Angeles and moved back to the area in hopes of finding a place here. They have been experiencing homelessness in South County for the last few weeks and lost their benefits and income when they moved counties. Case Manager was able to help identify a family member out of state who was willing to take them in and help them get back on their feet. 5CHC was able to use funds to purchase the couple a train ticket to reunite with family. Family member confirmed housing and that she can pick them up from the train station. $500 Amtrak
Jail to Community client that recently moved into Balay Ko on Barca shelter is requesting assistance with some minor car repairs so his vehicle can pass smog and he can update the registration. $60 SuperMuffler- car repair
Client is currently homeless but recently received a Housing Choice Voucher and is requesting assistance with housing application fees in order to secure a lease before his voucher expires. $37 MPM, Inc. Property Management
Lopez High School – Keith Gledhill- Principal; Aurora Munoz – Admin
Beginning of the year Wolf Market supplies for Positive Behavior student incentives. Fruit Roll-Up, Gushers, Cheetos, Mini Takis, Cheez it Crackers, Pocky, Capri Sun, Fritos, Nutella, Cup Noodles, Arizona Ice Tea, Jack's Links, Gatorade, Nerds Gummy Clusters, Extra Sugarfree Gum, Sketch Art Pencil Kit, Fidget Cube.$293.13
Lopez High School Wolf Den – Heidi Boatman
Students requested laundry detergent.Purchased 4 bottles of detergent $38.57 Vons
Families in Transition – Wendy Bruse Coordinator of After School Programs, Deicy Trejo
Assisted family needing a bus pass for their high school student. parents have been struggling to keep hours at work, and don't have the funds for this month. $37 SCT-31 day bus pass
Student needing assistance with bus pass. Family in temporary housing in Atascadero, and student will be commuting on the bus from there. $37 RTA- Regional bus pass
Unaccompanied youth in need of a bus pass, has to travel from Grover to New tech for school, grandmother does not have the finances to purchase one.$37 RTA Regional bus pass
Mission Hope – Katie Crafton – Oncology Social Worker
Man in early 60’s receiving treatment for myeloma and has relocated from out of state and is struggling with rent on top of medical bills. $200
Woman in early 40’s receiving treatment for breast cancer and is not able to get disability due to her type of employment. Struggling with mortgage payments. $200
Department of Social Services – Theresa Johnson – Division Manager
A homeless participant came in looking for transportation to see her therapist in SLO $5.50 bus pass
A homeless participant needed help with transportation to the 5CHC she is having a hard time walking due to a blood clot in her leg $5.50
C.A.R.E.4Paws – Libby Williams-Cabral – area administrator
Manny & his dog Babe are unhoused in the 5Cities area and Babe needed help with an ear infection. The vet reported that Babe's ear infection was severe but was confident the treatment and care provided would really help her. Manny is very grateful tothe people in this community who show such kindness. The total bill was $250.40 and $190 of Womenade funding was utilized. $190 Monarch Dunes Vet Hospital
McKenzie has been Kenny’s constant companion through life’s hardest days. McKenzie faced urgent medical needs, including a pre-surgery work-up, a spay surgery, the removal of multiple mammary tumors, and several bleeding skin masses. These procedures were critical, not only for her health but also so Kenny can move off the streets and into long-term housing. He’s next on the list, and everything else was in place. He wouldn't go without her, so being able to stay together meant everything to them. Kenny dreams of a better life...not just for himself, but so he can give back and spread kindness in his community. The Womenade funding helped us show him that compassion truly comes full circle. The Womenade grant helped with $200 of McKenzie's $1,576.00 veterinary costs. C4P worked closely with the 5Cities Homeless Coalition to help pave the road for Kenny and McKenzie's $200 Monarch Dunes Vet Hospital
Luz and "Luna" her cat live in Grover Beach. Luna had been very ill and Luz's autistic son who is very attached to Luna was very worried. Luna had significant weight loss and was vomiting some blood. Labwork revealed elevated liver enzymes. Womenade funding helped with $175 of this critical vet care. $175 Monarch Dunes Vet Hospital
People’s Self Help Housing – Caity McCardell - Director of Resource Development
Client is a single disabled mother with a disabled daughter. She is in need of a gas card worth $200. Her income is very low and is not enough to cover all needs. She had to change her car tires but now is left without funds to pay for gas to move the car. She depends on the car for medical appointments and food shopping. If assisted her daughter and self will be able to attend their medical appointments. $200 Chevron
Client is a single mother 3. She is the only provider as one of her kids is too young, one suffers from a mental illness and currently has no income. The last son has lost her job and is having difficulty finding a new job. She is experiencing financial strain and her income is not enough. She cannot get a second job because she needs to take care of her ill son. Furthermore, she was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and might start treatment soon. Client is requesting assistance to pay for her car registration. This car is her form of transportation to and from doctor appointments. This will be in most need now that she was diagnosed. $459.79 DMV
Client is the mother to a medium size family. She recently had an issue with the rent amount. Her rent was higher than she had expected and she had to use more funds, but now is short on funds for food and other daily needs. Client also had to use some funds to repair her vehicle and pay for the ride to work. Client is asking for a food card worth $500 to feed her entire family. If assisted her family will not go hungry. $500 Walmart
Client is a single mother of 3 teenage boys. She is the only provider. Also, she works for the education system and just started full time work last week. During the summer break her hours were cut and she was left with an income that was just enough to cover bills. She used her savings to cover rent. Now she is in need of financial assistance ($500) to buy cleaning toiletries, food, and housekeeping items. If assisted a single mother will be able to send her kids to school well fed, dressed and with a clean home to return to. $500 Walmart
Client is a single father of 2 girls. He is a disabled father that survives on governmental income. His 2 girls came to visit him for the summer, and he had extra spending due to that. He had to spend his food money and savings to give his little girls one month of the year full of joy with their father. Unfortunately, he spent money he did not have trying to be a good dad. He is now in need of financial assistance ($500) to buy cleaning toiletries, food, gas, and housekeeping items. If assisted a single father will be able to eat and clean his unit while having an awesome memory of the summer spent with his daughters. $500 Walmart
Client is a wife and mother of 3 boys. Her husband is a farm worker and the only financial provider. She has a son in AP Math. He needs a TI-84 Plus CE to succeed in class.The client does not have enough extra money to pay for a calculator at a price of $130.49. She is requesting financial assistance to purchase the calculator for his son. She hopes that he will be the first in the family to do a good in school and continue to higher education. If assisted a young boy will be given a tool that will help him succeed in life and have a great future. $130.49
Client is struggling financially and this will be able to provide reliable transportation for two months, regionally, for client to meet her medical and other professional appointments.Client needs assistance with purchasing a bus pass. $136 RTA
Client is a senior wife to a senior husband. Her household only has governmental income and has limited resources. Her car broke down and she had to spend some of the income on getting repaired. Unfortunately, she now is worried about how she is going to have enough funds to pay for her food. Her husband is also retired and is on a fixed income. Client is requesting assistance to be able to buy food for the month for both her and husband.$500 Walmart
Client is a single disabled senior. She has been diagnosed with heart failure and had to add a lot more doctors’ appointments to her schedule. Public transport was no longer working for her, and she is now asking her son to take her to several appointments per week. She needs financial assistance ($300) to help pay for the gas being used. She is going to have to make more use of RideOn. $300 Chevron
Laundry Pop Up
In Nipomo there were quite a few people there when we arrived, and we were able to help those folks with their drying. One of the last families that came in today was a young mom with five small children. They brought in some very dirty laundry. It looked like a bed was set up in the back of their truck. We were all concerned that the family might be living/sleeping in their vehicle. A woman who comes in occasionally to do pet bedding was there. She is a social worker who helps people find housing in Santa Barbara County. She was able to speak to the mother and found out that they have a place to live but are behind on their rent. We shared the list of places that Womenade supports and are hoping the mother can find help with her rent. $300
We were greeted at the door by one of the regulars. He had his laundry in the machine and was waiting for us to get there. We had at least 5 people turn down our offers for help. One of the last ladies who came in told me twice that she had been praying for help to get her through the week financially. She thanked us repeatedly. $281.75
Hearst Cancer Research Center – Julie Neiggemann and Ashley Hahn
A low-income patient owned a horse that was stabled at a stableThe horse died and it needed to be removed from the stable . Cost of removal of deceased horse $600.
Family Care Network – Lupita Ducharme
Single mom and kids just moved into one of our housing units. Mom requested support with back-to-school clothing and shoes for her teen daughter.Clothing and Shoes$131.27 Target and Ross
The team is working with the client/family to engage in positive community activities and healthy outlets. The child has an interest in soccer, so it was agreed to include this as part of his treatment plan. The family needed support to make it happen.Registration, Cleats, Socks, Shin Guards $257.84 Amazon
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