Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2003 by a coalition of concerned community members and organizations. Its mission is to partner with the community to achieve resilience against substance use, reduce violence, and promote a healthy and safe environment for youth and families in the Santa Maria Valley.

Mission and Strategy

The nonprofit's strategy involves partnering with various community agencies and schools to build a drug-free community. They focus on developing resilience through a child's relationship with a caring adult, which allows them to combat drugs, alcohol, gangs, and other negative influences. Their efforts extend across the Santa Maria Valley, including Santa Maria, Orcutt, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, Sisquoc, and Casmalia.

Programs and Services

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley offers a diverse array of programs:

• Substance Abuse Prevention: They have received the Drug-Free Community Grant for ten years to combat alcohol and marijuana use among youth.
• Restorative Practices: Partnering with schools to implement a restorative approach to discipline.
• Truancy Prevention Program: Assists elementary and junior high students in understanding the importance of education.
• Student Attendance Review Board: A community-based team addressing attendance and behavior issues.
• Foundations for Success: Targets students in foster care and probation with case management and academic support.
• Students in Transition: Supports students in transitional housing with educational and personal assistance.
• Youth and Young Adult Homeless Services: Provides emergency shelter, housing, and long-term case management.
• Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE): Coordinates educational efforts across Santa Barbara County.
• Cannabis Education: Partners with juvenile probation to educate youth on cannabis use.
• STD Prevention and Education: Offers services to vulnerable groups within the Santa Maria Valley.
• Parent Education Classes: Focuses on child development and parenting skills.
• Community Resiliency Model (CRM) Training: Provides training for community agencies.

Impact and Leadership

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley has a significant impact on the community, with a success rate of 76% in housing outcomes for homeless young adults. The organization is led by Executive Director Edwin Weaver, who emphasizes the efficiency and ethical use of funds. The nonprofit seeks to diversify its income beyond government grants, aiming for individual donations to support its $2.4 million annual budget.

Recognition

Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley has earned a 3/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting its accountability and transparency in financial management.

[1] https://www.volunteerslo.org/agency/detail/?agency_id=80359 [2] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/651234981 [3] https://www.givinglistsantabarbara.com/company/fightingbacksantamaria/ [4] http://www.fbsmv.com [5] https://youthwell.org/business-directory/fighting-back-santa-maria-valley/