Yes! It's already near the end of October! Check this out!
Season of Hope, Next Potluck, Upcoming Project, Help and Items Needed, Update on Funds Received, Thanks to Donors, Where the Money Went
Season of Hope
Once again, we are part of The Season of Hope. It is sponsored by KSBY and runs from October 12 to December 11 this year. KSBY has teamed up with local food banks, toy agencies, fire departments, and sponsors to put together the largest community-wide food and toy drive on the Central Coast. South SLO County Womenade picks up the donated food at one of its locations – the 5 Cities Fire Authority. This year Patty Grady has graciously volunteered to be our project leader, ably assisted by Marcella Gelman and Lisa Murdoch, both of whom have led the project in past years. All the food Patty picks up will be distributed to people in need in South SLO County.
Next Potluck
Our next potluck will be hosted by Candace Guldeman on Thursday, December 10th at 5PM. Mark your calendars! The picture is from last year's potluck fundraiser at her home! Candace says although it's NOT the big Christmas decoration year (every other year!) there are always decorations galore! As always bring a dish to share, your place setting, a beverage. Our Zeffy invitation link will be available in early November.
Upcoming Project
Last year we did both a Thanksgiving and a Winter Break Holiday Food Basket Drive. We learned that it was a wonderful thing to do but we ran into donor and volunteer fatigue. This year we’ve decided to do one Holiday Food Basket drive in December for over 250 families in our community. The Winter School Break in our district is 3 weeks long creating a lot of food insecurity for many families. We will be focused on everyday food items rather than holiday foods. Shopping food list, SignUpGenius for food donations, Volunteer sign up and cash donation communications coming out around November 1st!
Help and Items Needed
Volunteers for the Laundry Pop UP Sign up here: https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0B44AEA82DAAF9C52-50105745-2024
Donations and volunteers for our Holiday Food Baskets Project
A project leader for the Toiletries Drive next April – Training and assistance available
Volunteers to
Toilet paper
Diapers
Pack n Plays
Child safety items - drawer and cabinet locks and gates
Laundry detergent
Update on Funds Received
9/1/26 TO 9/30/26 $24,276.85
1/1/26 TO 9/30/26 $143,974.07
2/1/2019 TO 9/30/26 $990,625.42
Thanks to September Donors
Amelia Grover, Andrea Chavez (2), Anita Shower, Ann McDowell, Ashley Hahn, Barbara Crawford (2), Candace Guldeman, Carol J Chenot, Carolynne Chase, Cinthya Cortiz Corona, Cory Gonzalez, Dana Senes, Deb Sherry, Diana Henderson, Donna MacCarley, Elaine Stewart, Esther Castillo, Fran Norris, Fred Donati, Jane Arnold, Janis Packer, Jessica Griffith, Karen Kolba (2), Kathy Kane, Kristin Heenan (2), Libby Cabral, Lisa Fraser, Lisa Chadwick, Lola Zybura, Louise Plevel and Fritz Thom, Lynda Allen, Lynn Heinrich, Marcella Gelman (2), Marilyn Mullany, Mary De Jong (2), Mary Anne Morgan and Madeline Fay (2), Michael Azevedo, Michelle Aquino, Mike and Olive Shu, Nan Fowler, Nancy Terrell, Nipomo Presbyterian Church, Peggy Coon, Rebecca Tolk, Renee Poirier, Rosemary Cleaves (2), Sandra L Richardson (2), Sheila Simmons-Semana, Sherry Mueller, Stan and JoAnn Benson, Susan Girard, Susan McCutcheon (2), Susan Larson, Tina Hahn, Wendy Bruse, 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 lady in her 30s. She has been homeless and struggles with substance abuse as well as mental health challenges. She is doing great in the program and has started to look for employment so she can be self-sufficient. $800
Nipomo Family Resource Center – Advocate Yuliana Molina Ceja
· Student’s backpack was stolen. It contained Chromebook and a textbook. Mom can’t afford to pay for the items. Student is in water polo and can't play until fees are paid. $347 NHS Asb
· Single mom whose work hours have been reduced and she is having a hard time keeping up with bills. She needs support with rent. $500 TMT Property services (landlord)
· Mom has not been able to work consistently due to chronic health problems. She just came home from the hospital and needs support with utility bill. $299.29 PG&E
Oceano Family Resource Center – Advocate Stella Medina
· Family of 6 with one income and the mother is unable to work due to disability. She isn't eligible for SDI or any permanent disability. Family struggling to make ends meet and needs assistance with water. $100 City of Arroyo Grande
· Family of 5 with one income. Mom is struggling with chronic health issues. She is overwhelmed by hospital bills due to not having insurance. Needs support with utility bill. $87.53 PG&E
· Family of 5 with one income struggling to pay household bills after mother resigned from her job due to chronic health issues. $20.17 So. Cal Gas and $60 Spectrum
· Father lost income to take care of his wife as she is too ill to stay home alone. Loss of income and behind on rent. $500 Pacific Dunes Ranch (landlord)
· Large family trying to get caught up on household bills, in need of roof goo to fix a leak before the rainy season. $100 Miners Ace Hardware
· Father cut off his fingertip while working. Has not received workers’ compensation payments. Needs help with rent. $500 B&W Management (rent)
· Single mom of 5 had to have her car brakes repaired in order to drive safely to SB Hospital for her daughter’s upcoming surgery. Needs assistance with rent. $400 Maria Chavez (landlord)
· Single mother of two was hit by a car while on the job and is unable to work for now. She is waiting for her workers compensation case to be processed. $300 SLOright County property management (landlord)
Arroyo Grande Family Resource Center – Cinthyia Ortiz-Corona
· The client received a repo notice for their car as they fell behind on payments due to lack of income. Their car is necessary to get to and from job/school. $300 Santander Consumer USA
· Family of 4 struggling with the sudden and unexpected death of the family’s father. The mom requested support covering funeral expenses. $600 Moreno Mortuary
· Single mother returned from Texas after immigration court hearing. Landlord threw all their personal belongings out. In need of clothing. $207.02 Amazon
· Family of 4 are struggling with recent move. Requesting support with expense for passport for youth. $135 Department of State
· Family of five have relocated several times in their RV. In need of PO Box renewal so they can continue to get mail. $202 USPS
· Single mother of 4 boys. Homeless, living in a tent, needs an electric heater and sleeping bags to help keep warm as the nights are getting colder. $75.02 Amazon
Nutrition Team – Mary Anne Morgan leader
· No Expenses
5 Cities Homeless Coalition – Devon McQuade Executive Director
· No Expenses
Laundry Pop-Up Belinda Benassi – Project coordinator; Terri Zielinski and Beth Hirsch in Nipomo
In Arroyo Grande
· We had a busy morning and another great event today. We were able to serve approximately 23 community members with 47 wash loads and 44 dry loads. We used approximately $364.25 today. I am sure we helped others, which were unaccounted for as it was a super busy event. Volunteers for the event were Michelle Aquino and Kathy Kane, Jackie Christopher dropped by and donated several laundry detergents. $364.25
In Nipomo
· Yesterday was a pretty typical day at the Nipomo laundromat. We were commenting that it has started to feel like a small community with many of the same faces every week. There is a mother /daughter pair who bring in a baby who has suddenly turned into a toddler! A grandfather (we think) with a precocious 4-year-old who has a new treat every week. She loves showing us whatever it is she has; yesterday it was a lip gloss. And one of our first regulars happily shared that she had her second baby three weeks ago and named him Ezekiel. A man came in with a couple of comforters to wash. He was tickled to have me pay for his washing machine. Then he went outside and read the poster we had on the table. He came back into the laundromat looking pretty excited. He has just opened up a new event venue in Nipomo and he offered to have Womenade use his event space. He shared photos of the property, The Gardens at Camarilla Place. There is a pavilion that can accommodate about 60 people. There are walking trails and botanical gardens, including avocados, mangos, guavas, hydrangeas, and roses. He is hoping to host weddings and receptions. He is also getting ready to list a one bedroom space as an AirBnB. $215
Lopez High School – Keith Gledhill- Principal; Aurora Munoz – Admin
· SF Giants Field Trip 3 Scholarships $120
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, Stacy Morales Noriega
· Field worker parents could not get their 5th grade student to school on time. We purchased a bike and accessories for the student to be able to get themselves to school. $169.32 Bike, Helmet and Bike Lock
Pregnancy and Parenting Support – Cami Statler Executive director
· Mom from Nipomo reached out to request an infant car seat for her premature baby. PPS used Womenade funds to purchase the seat and our Certified Car Seat Technician, Flora Bolivar, installed the car seat and educated the mother on safely positioning her baby. $75.56 Walmart
Mission Hope – Katie Crafton – Oncology Social Worker
· No Expenses
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
· Client was so scared when their cat, Beans, came home with a badly injured rear leg. The damage was so severe that his leg could not be saved, leaving amputation as the only option. Beans was in a lot of pain, and without treatment, he was also at risk of developing a serious infection. Working closely with the vet we were able to keep the cost of surgery as low as possible. For this young family in Grover Beach, an unexpected veterinary expense like this was a lot to take on, and they were incredibly grateful for the support. Womenade grant funding contributed $100 toward Beans’ care. Most importantly, Beans got the surgery he needed and was able to head home to his very relieved family. He has since healed beautifully and is back where he belongs with the people who think he’s simply the best kitty boy around.$100 Pet Med Urgent Care
· On September 16, we received a call from the team at Monarch Dunes about an older brother and sister who had brought in their very sick 15-year-old Chihuahua, Chuey. They knew it was time to say goodbye, but after putting their Social Security checks toward rent and medical expenses, they had just $37 left. They adopted Chuey when he was 2 years old and had loved him for the past 13 years. Saying goodbye was incredibly hard, but they could see that Chuey was suffering and knew letting him go peacefully was the kindest thing they could do. With help from grant funding, C.A.R.E.4Paws was able to step in so Mark and Rita could focus on being there with Chuey in his final moments rather than worrying about how they would pay for his care. We feel so fortunate to be able to provide this kind of support when a family and their beloved pet need it most. $125 Monarch Dunes Vet
· Arroyo Grande resident reached out for help when her 5-month-old indoor kitty, Danny, broke his leg. Chelsea was already struggling to keep up with her own medical bills, so the added cost of Danny’s care was more than she could manage on her own. Danny’s injury was bad but the doctor felt his leg could be saved. His veterinary team helped make the surgery possible by offering a payment plan, and $150 in Womenade grant funding helped with the remaining cost. Thanks to everyone working together, this sweet little guy was able to get the surgery he needed, and she could focus on helping Danny heal. $150 Beach Cities Vet
· Client lives in Oceano with her 5-year-old Boxer, Teagan, who means everything to her. In her 70s and living on a very limited, fixed income, Karin was incredibly worried when Teagan became sick and she was faced with veterinary costs she simply could not manage on her own. Teagan had lost a significant amount of weight and was struggling to eat when she was diagnosed with masticatory muscle myositis (MMM), an immune-mediated disease that attacks the muscles dogs use to chew. Thankfully, when MMM is caught and treated early, the prognosis can be favorable. Teagan still has a road ahead of her, but Womenade grant funding has helped Karin move forward with the care she needs. Teagan is truly her world, and she is so grateful for the support. Knowing that she doesn’t have to face this scary time alone means so much to all of us. $103.70 Beach Cities Vet
· Arroyo Grande resident is a veteran living with PTSD, and his cat, Mr. Tuffles, means the world to him. John called us in a panic when he noticed Mr. Tuffles’ front leg was badly swollen and he had stopped putting any weight on it. Mr. Tuffles is now in the middle of treatment for a wrist fracture that requires ongoing splint care, including regular checks and changes, along with repeat X-rays (under sedation) to make sure his leg is healing properly. John doesn’t have a large support system to lean on, and facing the cost and worry of Mr. Tuffles’ injury was a lot to handle on his own. With help from Womenade grant funding, we were able to change that, making sure he had someone in his corner and Mr. Tuffles could continue getting the care he needs to heal. $150 Monarch Dunes Vet
People’s Self-Help Housing – Caity McCardell - Director of Resource Development
· The client’s household is currently experiencing significant health and financial hardship. According to the client, her husband is the sole financial provider for the family and was hospitalized two weeks ago, leaving him unable to work and resulting in a loss of income. The household includes two young children, ages 9 and 3, further increasing the family’s financial responsibilities during this difficult time. The client is seeking assistance with her vehicle registration, which she has been unable to pay due to prioritizing essential household expenses such as rent and utilities. The total amount needed is $215, including the $154 registration fee and $61 late fee. Assistance with the registration would provide the family with much-needed support during this period of instability and help reduce some of the financial stress they are currently facing. This support would allow the client to focus her limited resources on her family’s immediate needs while her husband recovers and the household works toward regaining financial stability. $215
· This client is in need of totes and cleaning supplies to prepare for his upcoming pest treatment. A budget was completed with the client, and it was identified that he was very limited financial flexibility from month to month. Providing these essential supplies would offer meaningful support during this process, allowing him to prepare his home without creating additional financial strain. This assistance would help him stay on track with his budget, maintain a positive monthly balance, and continue working toward greater financial stability. $54.11
· A resident is need of essential cleaning supplies for a resident who is very close to successfully passing his inspection. He has been working hard to maintain his home and is doing his best to get by with limited financial resources.His budget has recently become even tighter due to new required payments, leaving very little room for additional household necessities. Although he is managing as best he can, the cost of cleaning supplies is an added challenge at this time. Providing these supplies would offer him the support he needs to complete the final steps toward passing his inspection and maintaining a safe and comfortable home. This assistance would make a meaningful difference in his current situation and help him move forward with greater stability and peace of mind. $82.90
· This family has been navigating an unexpected health emergency that has placed a significant financial strain on their household. According to the client, her husband is the sole financial provider for the family and was hospitalized earlier this month. Although he has recently been able to return to work, the family’s income will be extremely limited as they work to recover from this difficult situation. The household includes two young children, and the family is doing everything they can to maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable home despite their current financial hardship. With limited resources, purchasing basic cleaning supplies and household necessities has become a challenge. A gift card would provide meaningful support to this family by allowing them to purchase the essential cleaning supplies and household items they need. This assistance would help ease some of the immediate financial pressure they are experiencing and give the family one less burden to carry as they work toward regaining stability. $200
Transitions Mental Health -Tricia Ochoa
· No Expenses
Hearst Cancer Research Center – Julie Neiggemann and Ashley Hahn
· No Ex[enses
Family Care Network – Lupita Ducharme Development Supervisor
· This purchase provided First Aid/CPR certification for a young parent in our Transitional Housing Program. This certification helps provide a safe environment for their child and also supports the client's path toward employment in the medical field. $37 First Aid/CPR Certification American Red Cross
· Provided a client with the required materials needed to succeed in their college course and stay on track toward graduation. Womenade funds were used after the client's financial aid did not cover the cost of these materials. $97.74 College Textbooks, College Bookstore
· Supported a young client’s therapeutic goals by providing a positive activity and an opportunity to explore a new interest. Participation complemented the child's therapeutic services by promoting confidence, engagement with others, and healthy development, while providing needed support to the family during a time of financial hardship. $145 Gymnastics Classes for child , Local Gymnastics
· The lunch box supported the client’s budgeting and meal preparation goals by allowing them to bring meals to school and work. It complemented their case plan by encouraging organization, helping establish a consistent routine, and managing expenses while awaiting financial aid. $18.46 Lunch Box Amazon
· Financial assistance was provided to a single-parent household with limited resources to purchase T-shirts and sport footwear for the client’s continued participation in a preferred after-school activity. These items support his treatment goals by promoting confidence, self-esteem, and positive social connections with peers and the community. The client and family expressed their sincere gratitude for the support. $166.37 Sports Uniform and Footwear. Amazon and Nike
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
How to Donate
To make a donation write a check to South SLO County Womenade and mail to: South SLO County Womenade, 1793 Farroll Rd., Grover Beach, CA 93433. Our bank asked that checks be made out with the full legal name on the account.
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.
You can also donate through our Zeffy app see below:or go to our website sslocw.org
Email: sslocwomenade@gmail.com
Website: sslocw.org
EIN#: 27-0809744
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