WHAT A SPECTACULAR August it has been! Three amazing events!
We Missed the Bus - Completed, The Grand Glorious Gigantic Benefit Concert, Endowment Fund Launch, Next Potluck, Help and Items Needed, Update on Funds Received, Thanks to Donors, Where the Money Went
We Missed the Bus - Completed
On August 17th the fabulous We Missed the Bus Womenaders joyously delivered, sorted and counted a huge amount of Teachers's School Supplies. As is typical for a South SLO County Womenade event, the energy was hi-octane! All drop off volunteers got their school supplies delivered and the highly organized team of volunteers completed sorting and counting almost $5,600 of school supplies. We also have a reserve of $1,500 to purchase additional supplies in January when we deliver the supplies! A Huge Thank You to Susan J. for volunteering to store all the donations until January! Well done and so grateful to all donors and all volunteers!
The Grand Glorious Gigantic Benefit Concert
The Grand Glorious Gigantic Benefit Concert Potluck Fundraiser was an amazing success! With over 100 guests registered to attend the planning group masterly led by Kristin Bertsch Heenan the event went off without a hitch. There are so many people to thank including the Carbon City Lights Band; the Shahs for hosting the event at their amazing estate and all the preparation to make it so sparkly; the board members for their donations of time, organization, food, drinks, flowers and other materials, and their guests; the donors and guests; the teen volunteers who helped with lots of schlepping and crowd safety; teens -Bibi Shah and Ryder Heenan - who performed with the band; Harvey's Honey Huts who donated two porta-johns and a handwashing station. The afternoon was sunny and people started arriving just after 3PM. There was a steady flow of nearly 85 people. The band started to play around 4:20 after everyone settled in with plates piled high with an amazing array of homemade delicious dishes. The event raised $5,000! the largest potluck fundraiser we have ever done! Thank you!
Endowment Fund Launch
NEW - OUR ENDOWMENT FUND
At the event Ann McDowell, President of the board, announced the creation of our new endowment fund. As a board we are preparing for the ongoing legacy of the organization and setting it up to continue into the future. The capital will remain in the fund, and we will use the earnings to fund future community needs. In the future should the organization find itself needing to reorganize, it will have funds that they can use to fund emergency and urgent needs while the restructuring takes place.
Gay Groomes was a long time supporter and Womenade volunteer. She participated not only financially but in person at the various hands on drives sorting and packing, handing out food at the food distributions, making and delivering brown bag weekend food for students who are identified as not having food to eat on the weekend; helping at the laundry pop up events; and attending and hosting potluck fundraisers. Before she passed away she held a tag sale and raised over $1,500 for us. To top that she donated a matching grant of $25,000 to kick off our new endowment fund.
Ann McDowell and Rosemary Cleaves have both added $10,000, and Phil and Candace Guldeman added another $5,000 to the match for a total of $50,000 to be matched by any donor who would like to help us secure the future of the organization.
We hope you choose to invest in the future of South SLO County Womenade.
Your gift to the Endowment Fund helps build a permanent source of support for local families, ensuring South SLO County Womenade can continue serving our community for generations to come.
Next Potluck
Mark your calendars! Our next potluck is on October 7th at 5PM at the Avila Clubhouse in the San Luis Bay Estates in Avila hosted by Ashley Hahn, our advocate at Hearst Cancer Resource Center! Spread the word to your friends and neighbors in Avila and the northern part of South SLO County! Check out the new venue!
Projects Updates
Laundry Pop-Up - Belinda Benassi, Terri Zielinski and Beth Hersch
In Nipomo things were unusually quiet at the Laundromat. Although some of our regulars were not there, we did continue the trend of seeing individual men doing their laundry. One of those men was very interested in learning more about the Pop Up and ended up giving us all of the quarters that he brought for his laundry which amounted to a donation of $9.00. In addition a woman and her daughter came in to get ready for back to school by washing a number of pairs of shoes as well as a load of blankets. They were grateful for our help with the expense. Everyone that we helped was very appreciative of the assistance. We were able to assist 11 individuals/families and did 41 loads of laundry (washer and dryer).
In Grover Beach they had a great event. We are recognizing an extended group of community regulars. They are getting to know and support each other and our volunteers, which is great to witness. We received several positive responses and expressed appreciation for South SLO County Womenade's assistance in providing laundry supplies and financial assistance. A single mother shared that she was experiencing financial hardships, and SSCW’s assistance allowed her to wash and dry her family’s laundry. We were able to assist 18 individuals/families and did 82 loads of laundry (washer and dryer).
The next Laundry Pop-Ups are: September 5th at Launderia Laundre Mat, 505 Orchard Rd. Nipomo, Hours: 9:00 -11:00am;
September 19th Laundromat, 119 S. 13th St., Grove Beach CA, Hours: 10 am - 12 pm.
Sign up to volunteer here:
Nipomo Food Distribution – Rosemary Cleaves, Sue McCutcheon, and Mary Anne Morgan - project leaders
On August 11th we held our food distribution at Nipomo High School. We had a great response and gave out food to about 370 families. The bags packed by volunteers with food purchased through the Foodbank were stuffed full. Mary Anne Morgan does all the ordering and pick up and storing of the food. Phil Connolly made the pick up from the Pacific View Academy storage location along with other food deliveries by Mary Anne and Sue McCutcheon. On September 8th, our next distribution we will be reworking our system once again as the school year has started, and we are moving to an all walk-up distribution model. Wish us luck.
We work with SLO FoodBank, the Lucia Mar school district and our volunteers to make the Food Distribution happen. If you would like to volunteer, please click on this link to sign up. We will need additional people in September for our first full walk-up distribution. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/monthly-food-distribution
Help and Items Needed
We have a leader - Patty Grady - for the Season of Hope food pick-ups this fall but need a couple of people to work with her on this important project -October 15 to December 15
A project leader for the Toiletries Drive next April – Training and assistance available
Volunteers for the Laundry Pop UP Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0B44AEA82DAAF9C52-50105745-2024
Toilet paper
Diapers
Pack n Play
Child safety items - drawer and cabinet locks and gates
Laundry detergent
Update on Funds Received
7/1/26 to 7/31/26 $36,499.02
1/1/26 TO 7/31/26 $110,447.89
2/1/2019 TO 7/31/26 $957,105.81
Thanks to July Donors
July Donors
Amanda LeNay, Andrea Chavez (2), , Angela Brokaw, Ann McDowell (2), Ann Tompkins, Barbara Crawford, Barbara Montgomery Aquino, Barbara Pena, Beth Hirsch (2), Bonnie Dalton, Caity McCardell, Candace Guldeman, Candace Kincade, Carol J. Chenot (3), Carol Joyce, Carolynne Chase, Cindy Reid, Cory Gonzalez, Dana Starkovich, Deb Sherry, Denise Williamson, Donna Maccarley, Donna Stewart, Elaine Stewart, Elise Carraway, Fran Norris, Frances Piacente, Gay Evison Groomes, Jacque Fondren, Janet Leonard, Janis Packer (2), Jessica Griffiths, Julie and Luke Rawlings, Karen Kolba, Karen Reinecke, Karlie Cool, Karter Hischke, Kathryn Gibbs, Kathy Kane, Kelley O’Neill, Kim Fernandes, Libby Cabral, Linda Busek, Linda Fibich, Lisa Murdoch (2), Liz Wilkes (2), Lola Zybura, Lupita Ducharme, Lynda Burnsed, Mandy LeNay, Marcella Gelman, Margie Gayley, Marilyn Mullany, Mary Anne Morgan and Madeline Fay, Mary De Jong, Mary Harsh, Michelle Aquino, Michelle Heath, Nan Fowler, Nancy Terrell, Nipomo Presbyterian Church, Olive and Mike Shu, Patricia Van Belleghem, Pherron Mulhaney (2 Rosemary Cleaves, Rosemary Cleaves(3), Sandy Richardson, Sheila Simmons-Semana, Sherrie B, Stan and JoAnn Benson (2), Sue Girard, Sue Miers, Susan Lamb (2), Susan McCutcheon (2), Tara Mattina
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 lady in her 40's who struggles with substance abuse. She recently started working and is doing great in her recovery $800 Gift Bed
Nipomo Family Resource Center – Advocate Yuliana Molina
Single parent had to find a job quickly to support her and her 3 children. She needs help with utilites bill $46.05 PG&E
Child had an accident a yr ago that impacted him physically and developmentally. Child requires a lot of care. Mom has had to stop work to care for child and needs support with bills. $354.45 City of Santa Maria
19yr old trying to make it on her own. Struggling with recent death in the family. She needs support paying for car repairs so that she can get to work and school. $200 Stop Hybrids
A single mom recently received an eviction letter. She needs support with her utilities this month $304.38 PG&E
Single mother with tranportation barriers lives doubled up with employment barriers. She needs some support with bills this month. $156 DMV
Oceano Family Resource Center – Advocate Stella Medina
Family of 5. One income household. Father injured at work and is unable to work. Family need support with rent.$500 Property Pros Realty Management
Arroyo Grande Family Resource Center – Cinthyia Ortiz-Corona
Single mom requested support with copy of birth certificate for youth. Bio father has refused to provide it to mother. $34 County of SLO Clerk Recorder
Single mother recently accepted into nursing school, requested support w/ purchase of shoes that fit the school requirements. $81.56 Amazon
Single mother recently accepted into nursing school, requested support utilities. $170.81 City of Grover Beach
Nutrition Team – Mary Anne Morgan leader
Food for Food Distribution at Nipomo High School $89.85
5 Cities Homeless Coalition – Devon McQuade Executive Director
Former Cabins for Change client recently moved into housing. She is currently employed and has been working to increase her hours to cover all of her household expenses. Her case manager has been helping her with budgeting and prioritizing payments. She had some unexpected vehicle repairs this month and requested assistance with a portion of the cost so she can stay on budget and pay all of her rent and utilities. $136.15 Jiffy Lube - minor car repair and oil change
Client was recently housed and has had a financial setback due to loss of hours at work following an injury. She requested assistance with a portion of her vehicle payment for the month so she does not fall behind. Her case manager is assisting her with budgeting, prioritizing bills, connection to community resources, and temporary rental assistance to ensure she can maintain her housing. Client is expected to return to work full-time next month. $300 Bridgecrest Credit Company - Car Payment
Client is currently living in her vehicle and is connected with our street outreach team. She has been struggling with her health and has been unable to work for the last several months and is pending approval for short-term disability. Her car registration is due, and she requested assistance with the cost so she does not receive a ticket for expired registration while living in her vehicle. $230.67 DMV Car Registration
Client recently moved into Balay Ko on Barca interim shelter after being homeless in his vehicle. Shortly after moving in, his car died and he needed to replace the battery. Client has been using his vehicle to search for employment and requested assistance with the cost of a replacement battery so he can continue this search. $291 Auto Zone Car Battery
·Client recently moved into Balay Ko on Barca interim shelter after being homeless in her vehicle. She obtained a DUI while experiencing homelessness and has been unable to pay for the classes required by the court. Client requested assistance with this payment so she can complete the required courses and not have to pay additional fees or serve time. $143 Kings View - DUI Class cost
Client was recently incarcerated and has been actively seeking employment. He was able to secure employment with a former employer and needed some assistance with buying new equipment for this job opportunity. $212 Tractor supply - welding equipment
Laundry Pop-Up Belinda Benassi – Project coordinator; Terri Zielinski and Beth Hirsch
in Nipomo
Today was the Nipomo Laundry pop up that was postponed by one week due to the 4th of July Holiday. We served 19 individuals/families today. The laundromat was pretty busy all morning and fortunately most of the machines were in service. There were several familiar faces but also several new faces, particularly young men washing what appeared to be work clothes. We also greeted a young woman and her daughter who heard about the pop up while participating with showers for the homeless. She and her daughter are now living in a shelter but were grateful to have the opportunity to get their laundry done and save their precious resources for other things. We had two new volunteers working today- Jean Baker and Candace Kincade.$265.75.
In Grover Beach
We were able to serve 17 individuals for a total of 63 loads. It was a fairly regular day with some new and some returning clients. All were very appreciative of our offer to help them with their laundry. Volunteers present: Belinda Benassi, Mary Ann Hjalmarson, Michelle Aquino, & Kathy Kane $255.75
Lopez High School – Keith Gledhill- Principal; Aurora Munoz – Admin
No Expenses
Lopez High School Wolf Den – Heidi Boatman
No Expenses
Lucia Mar Adult Education – Kristin Anderson, Principal
No expenses
Families in Transition – Wendy Bruse Coordinator of After School Programs, Karina Ayala
No Expenses
Pregnancy and Parenting Support – Cami Statler Executive director
No Expenses
Mission Hope – Katie Crafton – Oncology Social Worker
Woman in her 30's diagnosed with breast cancer with a $10,000 deductible on her medical plan. She is self employed with very little income coming in over the last months. Partial assistance with rent. $200
Woman in 60’s with surgical complications requiring additional breast surgeries struggling to pay rent and is worried about mounting medical expenses.$300
SLO County Office Of Education CSPP – (California Pre-School Programs) – Shannon Pimentel Program Coordinator
No Expenses
Department of Social Services – Theresa Johnson – Division Manager
No Expenses
County Nurses – Meryl Castro – County Nurse Supervisor
No Expenses
C.A.R.E.4Paws – Libby Williams-Cabral – area administrator
An elderly woman’s 11 year old dog developed a severe skin infection and began showing signs of pain related to her spine, The woman made a vet appointment but didn’t have enough to cover it all. C.A.R.E.4Paws worked with the veterinary team at Monarch Dunes to help ensure the dog received the care she needed, including a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and medications. $150 Monarch Dunes
A couple’s beloved cat became very ill and was diagonosed with two very serious illnesses which often are fatal. The cost of treatment quickly becake more than they could manage on their own. Thanks in part to funding from South SLO County Womenade and other resources their cat came through her treatment and is now healthy, happy, and back home with her family. I can't help but mention...this story is also a good reminder of why prevention matters so much. Vaccinations can protect cats from serious diseases like panleukopenia, and spaying helps prevent pyometra. This is why we work hard to make preventive care affordable for Central Coast families, offering vaccinations as well as low-cost spay and neuter surgeries. Helping families take these steps early can prevent serious illness and expensive emergencies down the road. $175 Pet Med Urgent Care
A disabled resident of Arroyo Grande, reached out to C.A.R.E.4Paws in tears, desperate for help for her dog, who was suffering from a severe skin condition that left him scratching constantly, covered in scabs, losing fur, and developing painful blisters. His eyes were swollen and producing discharge, and he had become anxious, withdrawn, and exhausted. She had already spent nearly all of her available funds on veterinary care and had only $250 left, fearing it would not be enough if Bruce needed additional diagnostics or treatment. After struggling to find a veterinary clinic with availability, she didn't know where else to turn. She shared that she had been putting her own health needs aside while trying to save her dog, who had once protected her by chasing away an aggressive dog that entered her home. Thanks to support from South SLO County Womenade, we were able to help Bruce receive the veterinary care he urgently needed, easing the financial burden on his family and giving him the opportunity to recover from his painful condition. $145 Beach Cities Vet
People’s Self Help Housing – Caity McCardell - Director of Resource Development
The resident is requesting assistance with a bus pass due to ongoing transportation challenges. She has multiple upcoming medical appointments and court appearances that require reliable transportation. Purchasing a bus pass would significantly improve her ability to attend these important obligations consistently. Since the majority of her income goes toward rent each month, her remaining funds are limited, making it difficult to afford transportation costs. Assistance with a bus pass would help reduce this financial burden and ensure she can access essential medical care and meet her court obligations $68
Resident's water has been shut off after using their remaining services to get caught up on rent. They are currently in between jobs, actively working with their social worker to find employment and other sources of income. Resident is in need of stability during this time of transition in their life. $252.01
The client is a dedicated single mother raising two daughters. At this time, she is unable to work because her youngest daughter experiences seizures and requires constant supervision and care. Her older daughter recently graduated from high school and is preparing to begin college. The family's only source of income is CalWORKs, and that support will be reduced once her oldest daughter turns 18, placing additional financial strain on the household. Reliable transportation is essential for the client to secure and maintain employment when she is able to return to work, as well as to ensure her daughters can attend medical appointments, school, and other essential activities. The client is requesting assistance to pay her vehicle registration (DMV tags) in the amount of $279, plus a $5.44 payment processing fee, for a total of $284.44. Assistance with this expense will help keep her vehicle legally registered, allowing her to pursue employment opportunities and continue meeting her family's critical transportation needs.$284.44
The client is a single head of household who works two jobs to provide for her four children. Recently, the family experienced the devastating loss of her brother, while the client also faced her own medical emergency. These unexpected events created significant financial hardship for the household. In addition to covering funeral expenses for her brother, the client has incurred medical bills following her health emergency. She was unable to work during the month of June because of her medical condition but has since been medically cleared to return to full-time employment. Although she is actively working to regain financial stability, the unexpected expenses have made it difficult to keep up with essential household bills. The client is requesting assistance with her PG&E bill in the amount of $330.13, plus a $6.44 transaction fee, for a total of $336.57, to prevent a disruption in utility service. Assistance with this expense will help the family maintain essential utilities while the client continues working and recovering financially from these unforeseen circumstances. $336.57
The client is a single head of household who lives with her two sons. In May, she experienced the loss of a parent and assumed responsibility for the majority of the funeral expenses. The unexpected loss placed a significant financial burden on the family, and she has been working diligently to recover from the resulting hardship. Approximately six weeks ago, one of her sons underwent major surgery, which caused him to lose income during his recovery. Because he required assistance with activities of daily living, the client also had to reduce her ability to work in order to care for him. These circumstances further strained the household's finances and made it difficult to keep up with basic living expenses. The client is currently seeking additional hours in her caregiving job, and both of her sons have now returned to work. However, the household is still recovering from the financial impact of these recent events. The client is requesting assistance in the form of a grocery gift card to help provide essential food and household necessities while the family works to regain financial stability. $200
The client is a single individual living with a disability who recently lost their identification, which is their only valid form of ID. Without it, the client is unable to cash their SSI checks, leaving them without access to income for essential daily needs. A replacement ID has been requested and is expected to arrive within 5–7 business days. The client is requesting assistance in the form of a $200 Walmart gift card to purchase food and other basic necessities while waiting for the replacement ID. Although the client has accessed local food banks, they are still in need of staple food items that are not consistently available through those resources. Providing this assistance will help ensure the client has access to adequate food and can meet basic needs until they are able to access their SSI benefits. $200
The resident's phone service was disconnected after his prepaid plan expired, leaving him without a reliable means of communication during a critical time in his recovery. The resident was recently discharged from the hospital and is actively recovering. Access to a working phone is essential for receiving follow-up calls from healthcare providers, scheduling appointments, obtaining medication or transportation assistance, and contacting emergency services if his condition changes. Without phone service, he faces increased isolation and significant barriers to accessing the care and support necessary for a safe recovery. With the weekend approaching, immediate assistance is especially critical, as many community resources and service providers have limited availability outside of normal business hours. Restoring his phone service now will ensure he can remain connected to medical providers, support services, and emergency assistance throughout the weekend, providing both safety and stability during this vulnerable period. $20.56
The resident is entering a critical period in which reliable transportation will play an essential role in maintaining her health and stability. Over the next month, she is expected to attend numerous medical appointments to address her ongoing healthcare needs, as well as legal appointments that are important to her long-term well-being and progress. Without dependable transportation, she is at risk of missing these appointments, which could delay her care and create additional obstacles to achieving stability. Bus pass. $68
Transitions Mental Health -Tricia Ochoa
No expenses
Hearst Cancer Research Center – Julie Neiggemann and Ashley Hahn
Stage IV cancer patient in Nipomo needs help offsetting costs of a dental bill. We paid for car insurance. $600
Stage IV cancer patient with kids at home needs help with overdue PG&E bill. Paid immediate minimum due to avoid being sent to collections. $415.01
Family Care Network – Lupita Ducharme
The client is attending school and needs reliable transportation to campus. As part of the client's treatment plan, the lessons will build independence and support continued educational success. Financial assistance was needed due to recent housing expenses, school costs, and limited hours while attending school. Driving Lessons Fiv-0 Driving School $137.50 Five-0 Driving School
The requested workout equipment will support the client's treatment goals by providing a healthy outlet for stress management, emotional regulation and regular physical activity. The client has recognized that exercise is a meaningful coping skill and is motivated to implement that in daily life as a healthy response to stress. $115.79 Amazon workout equipment
The client lives with a homebound caregiver and faces financial barriers to transportation. Funding for four driving lessons was approved to help them build independence, gain confidence behind the wheel, develop safe driving skills, and take an important step toward earning a driver's license and accessing future employment opportunities. $500 Affordable Driving
A youth in emergency shelter foster care is in need of assistance with art supplies. These art supplies will support the youth's treatment by providing a healthy coping activity, encouraging self-expression, and allowing her to practice these skills during psychosocial rehabilitation contacts. As a youth in emergency shelter foster care with very limited resources, access to these materials will help ensure she can continue using art as a positive coping strategy. 82.65 Amazon
Welcome Home Military Heroes – Executive Director Cheryl Tolan
No expenses
Martha’s Place – Tony Huffacker. Supervisor
No expenses
Child Advocacy Center – Anthony Huffaker
No expenses
Healing Horses through Horsemanship – Yvette D’Unieville
No expenses
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