Community Impact Annual Report 2024 : simplebooklet.com

Dear Community,It is our pleasure to present our first annual United Way of Santa Cruz County’s Community Impact Report.This report reflects our accomplishments and unwavering dedication of our team, partners, andcommunity.The purpose of this report is to share our story by highlighting the impact we’ve made in the community.We aim to showcase the remarkable young people we work with and their significant contributions,celebrating our youth engagement efforts and demonstrating to participants the tangible difference theyare making. Additionally, we present valuable insights from our Youth Adult Partnerships survey, as well asour programmatic data. This report also emphasizes our key partnerships and collaborations, which areintegral to our success.This past year has been one of significant progress and transformation.Key AchievementsYouth Participation: We expanded our engagement with young leaders through the YouthParticipatory Action Research project and Jóvenes Sanos’ youth-led initiatives. Additionally, wefacilitated meaningful interactions between policymakers and youth leaders.1.Community Capacity Building Events: We organized events such as the Youth-Adult PartnershipsSummit and the Restorative Practices Community Forum to support community change.2.Team Expansion: We grew our team with the addition of dedicated young professionals who aredeeply committed to the wellbeing of young people and the advancement of community changeefforts.3.We do not do this alone. These achievements would not have been possible without the support of ourdedicated team, our generous funders, the trust of our partners and the enthusiasm of our community. Asyou explore our annual report, we encourage you to share our momentum and insights.We remain committed to our goals and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our focus willcontinue to hone in on youth wellbeing and success. We believe that with continued collaboration andinnovation, we can achieve even greater success in the coming year.Thank you for your continued support and trust in United Way of Santa Cruz County.Sincerely,LETTER FROM LEADERSHIPSarah EmmertDirector of Community ImpactPamela VelazquezSenior Community Impact ManagerPamela VelazquezSarah EmmertUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report3

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Hola!My name is Lizbeth García-López. As the 2023/2024 year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on mytime as a Community Impact Intern.I first became involved with Jóvenes Sanos through my brother, who participated three years before me.He introduced me to the organization as a freshman in high school, urging me to engage with ourcommunity. Initially, participating in online meetings posed challenges. However, the transition to in-person meetings in my sophomore year under the guidance of our new coordinator at the time, PamelaVelazquez, marked a pivotal moment for our group. Witnessing the profound impact of the pandemic onour community, we collectively shifted our focus from promoting healthy living to addressing the stigmasurrounding mental health.Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic community, my personal journey with mental health awarenessbegan when I entered high school. Joining this youth program not only allowed me to contributemeaningfully to my community but also provided me with opportunities for personal growth andleadership. Serving as the president of our group, I developed my communication and public speakingskills while representing Jóvenes Sanos at various community events. These experiences deepened myconnection to the organization and motivated me to pursue a more active role.Now, as a Community Impact Intern and recent high school graduate, I am grateful for the opportunity toexpand my involvement, collaborating closely with the coordinator and impact manager to shape thefuture of Jóvenes Sanos and other Community Impact initiatives . This internship has been a transformative experience, equipping me with invaluable skills and reaffirmingmy commitment to making a positive difference in our community. I look forward to applying what I'velearned as I continue to pursue my educational and professional aspirations.Thank you for this opportunity to grow and contribute to United Way of Santa Cruz County (UWSCC). As yougo through our annual report, I hope you are inspired by the remarkable work UWSCC has accomplished. Iencourage you to engage with the stories and data shared, and to consider how you might contribute to orsupport our mission in the coming year.Sincerely,LETTER FROM YOUTH INTERNLizbeth GarciaJóvenes Sanos InternLizbeth GarciaUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report4

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Frameworks UWSCC’S COMMUNITY IMPACT DEPARTMENTAt United Way of Santa Cruz County, we ignite the community to give, advocate, and volunteer, ensuring that youthsucceed in school and life, residents enjoy good health, and families achieve financial independence. Our vision is athriving, healthy, and safe Santa Cruz County for all.The Community Impact Department at United Way of Santa Cruz County (UWSCC) plays a pivotal role in drivingsocial change across the county. As a convener, UWSCC brings together key stakeholders to strategically tacklecomplex social challenges. Our approach is data-driven and grounded in equity and best practices, focusing oncreating long-lasting systems and policy changes that promote the wellbeing of all.Values Guided by our core principles of inclusion, community, and centering those most impacted by the issues, we strivefor systemic and community change. We emphasize collaboration and innovation, believing these elements arecrucial for fostering a supportive and dynamic environment where all voices are heard and valued.WellbeingDignityFull Potential Pair of ACES & Stress BustersPrevention: Substance Use, Violence41 Assets Social Determinants of HealthEquity Equity Integrity Compassion United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report5

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OUR TEAMSARAH EMMERTPAMELA VELAZQUEZKARINA BETANZOSDIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY IMPACTSENIOR COMMUNITY IMPACT MANAGERCOMMUNITY IMPACT COORDINATORBorn and raised in Santa Cruz County, Sarah has been dedicated to socialjustice since 2007, focusing on issues such as educational equity, racialjustice, and community safety. She values collaboration and buildingrelationships to address complex social issues. In 2014, Sarah joined UnitedWay of Santa Cruz County, coordinating the Youth Violence PreventionNetwork. Her dedication led to her promotion to Director of CommunityImpact in 2016. Currently Sarah’s work focuses on leadership development,equitable systems change, prevention and early intervention. Previously,Sarah was the Public Policy Manager at Homeless Services Center andcoordinated the Prison Project with Barrios Unidos. She also served on theSanta Cruz County Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission.Sarah holds a B.A. in Psychology from UC Santa Cruz and an M.A.S. inCriminology, Law, and Society from UC Irvine.Pamela serves as the Senior Community Impact Manager at United Way ofSanta Cruz County, where she has been a dedicated team member since 2021.She spearheads youth development and engagement initiatives, includingJóvenes Sanos, Youth Action Network, and the Youth Participatory ResearchProject. Raised in Watsonville, Pamela holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociologyand Chicano Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She iscurrently pursuing a Master of Public Administration in Social Change at theMiddlebury Institute of International Studies. Pamela is dedicated to integrityand compassion, focusing on creating unique and culturally relevantprograms that meaningfully engage youth and help them achieve their fullpotential. Her current projects emphasize positive youth developmentpractices, elevating youth voice and leadership, and co-creating meaningfulpartnerships rooted in trust and equity. Pamela is passionate aboutsupporting youth in developing leadership skills and empowering first-generation students to pave the way for future generations.Karina Betanzos, is the Community Impact Coordinator for Jóvenes Sanos.She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from California StateUniversity, Sacramento, and an Associate degree in Social and BehavioralScience from West Valley College. With a deep passion for making a positivedifference in the lives of youth and the community, Karina is thrilled to takeon the opportunity to work with and inspire the youth in the Watsonvillecommunity. Her commitment to fostering growth and empowerment amongyoung individuals drives her dedication to this role, where she aims to createmeaningful and lasting impact.United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report6

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MALENA RONGACOMMUNITY IMPACT COORDINATORMalena Ronga is a dedicated Youth Action Network Coordinator for theCommunity Impact team at United Way of Santa Cruz County. With twodegrees from the University of California, Santa Cruz in Psychology andCommunity Studies, Malena brings a passion for community development anda commitment to creating positive change in Santa Cruz County. FromSouthern California to Northern California, Malena has spent many years beinginvolved in youth leadership groups and different collaboratives that work toempower young people and people of different identities. In her role, Malena isresponsible for the Youth Action Network alongside her co-coordinator, whereshe leverages her skills in leadership, graphic design, connections, and youthadvocacy to support and enhance community programs. Outside of their role,Malena is actively involved in her community as a supporter of the arts andQueer Liberation. Malena believes in the power of collaboration, advocacy, andempowerment, and holds pride in being part of a team that shares a commongoal of improving the lives of youth, students, and families in Santa CruzCounty! LILLY GALVANCOMMUNITY IMPACT COORDINATORLilly serves as the Community Impact Coordinator for the Youth ActionNetwork (YAN) at United Way of Santa Cruz County. She holds a Bachelor ofArts degree in Collaborative Health and Human Services, specializing inSocial Work from California State University, Monterey Bay. Since relocatingto Santa Cruz County from the Central Valley, Lilly has dedicated herself tofurthering her education and supporting her community. Her efforts includeworking with older adults in assisted living, children on the autism spectrum,patient care, volunteering as a CASA advocate, and serving as a formercounty employee. As an intern with Jóvenes Sanos, Lilly connected withyoung adults, leveraging their shared backgrounds to address and break downstigmas surrounding mental health within their community and culture. In herrole as Community Impact Coordinator for YAN, Lilly engages with youth tohelp them amplify their voices in decision-making processes and fostercollaboration with network partners.This work would not have been possible without the invaluablesupport of our interns. Their dedication and hard work have beeninstrumental in achieving our goals and driving our mission forward.We extend our heartfelt thanks to each intern for their contributionsand commitment to our community impact initiatives.A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR INTERNSUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report7

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On May 4th, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we held our 2ndAnnual Cultivating HOPE event, bringing together 50 youth for aninspiring day focused on mental well-being, self-care, and hope. Thanksto our partners, including Living Evolution, Digital NEST, Yoga for AllMovement, Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley, Pajaro ValleyPrevention and Student Assistance, Watsonville Youth Center, PajaroValley Arts, Empower Watsonville, and the Santa Cruz County Office ofEducation, we offered impactful workshops on self-care, self-expression, and mindfulness. Special thanks to NAMI and our JóvenesSanos youth for their contributions in making this event a success.Together, we are building a brighter, more hopeful future.Cultivating HOPE: A Day of Empowerment and WellnessH PECultivatingHispanic/Latino - 95% Multi-racial - 5% Female - 52% Male - 43% Non-Binary/gender nonconforming - 5% JÓVENES SANOSJóvenes Sanos (JS) is a Watsonville-based youth program dedicated to reducing mental health stigma by elevatingyouth voices and increasing access to mental health resources. In the process, youth develop leadership skills,including public speaking, collaboration, and teamwork. Since 2005, JS has aimed to foster peer-to-peerconversations and promote a healthy, thriving culture in Watsonville.Students of color, low-income families, and socially disadvantaged youth are at higher risk of developingdepression and other mental health conditions due to a lack of mental health services and pervasive stigma. Thesechallenges are compounded by inequities and social determinants of health, including limited access to qualityeducation, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Additionally, the impact of adverse childhood experiences(ACEs), such as exposure to violence, substance abuse, and family instability, further exacerbates mental healthissues among these vulnerable populations.Jóvenes Sanos recognizes the urgent need to shift the culture of stigma in the Watsonville community and worksto normalize conversations around mental health and wellness. By addressing the inequities and socialdeterminants of health, Jóvenes Sanos seeks to create inclusive spaces where youth feel engaged, supported, andconnected to their community.Mission:Problem Statement:DemographicsRace/EthnicityGenderWe are deeply grateful to our JS Youth Leadership, led by President Lizbeth Garcia and Vice President GabrielMelgoza. Special thanks to Alexandra Rojas, our Teen Action Council representative and external chair, along withinternal chairs Jesus Nolasco and Adrian Ramirez. We also appreciate the invaluable contributions of AliHernandez, Joseph Magana, and Ricardo Garcia. Their leadership has been crucial in hiring our new coordinator,recruiting youth members, and driving impactful programming. Their dedication is a driving force behind ourcontinued success and growth.Leadership in Action: Celebrating Our Youth Leadership CommitteeUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report8

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Our commitment to family connections washighlighted through various engaging events.Westrengthened family bonds through events likeFamily Paint Night and "Una Tarde en Familia,"organized with CAB of Santa Cruz County. Theseactivities fostered community spirit and deeperfamily engagement. Our Family Orientation alsoensures families are well-integrated into ourprograms. We aim to further enhance our efforts tobuild strong family involvement and support.Family Connections: EnhancingEngagement Through Creative EventsWith a focus on addressing the educationalachievement gap in Watsonville, we partnered withCabrillo College to destigmatize community collegeand highlight its resources. On June 21st, our Pavingthe Way event provided 24 high school students with atour of the Watsonville campus, a college trivia game,insights into dual enrollment and first-year collegeexperiences, a panel discussion with current CabrilloCollege students and a mock lecture. This eventaimed to enhance youth knowledge of highereducation resources and facilitate connections withCabrillo College students and staff.Paving the Way: Destigmatizing CommunityCollegeJóvenes Sanos prioritized skill development througha variety of workshops covering topics like timemanagement, seasonal depression, youth-adultpartnerships, and healthy relationships, amongothers. Expanded Learning's WHS Life Skills Programoffered weekly sessions in the Fall, focusing onnutrition, fitness, and mental wellness.Collaborations with the Diversity Center and SCCommunity Health further supported healthyrelationships and mental health topics. We willcontinue to explore these areas and engage guestspeakers to support holistic youth development.Skills for Success: Developing Essential YouthCompetenciesPeer-to-peer connections remain a central focus ofour work, underscoring our commitment to creating asupportive and connected community.This year, JSfocused on deepening peer connections through arange of dynamic activities. From festive gingerbreadhouse building to crafting a Dia de los Muertos altarand engaging in Paint Nights with Expanded Learning,these events have promoted teamwork, creativity,and meaningful relationships. Building Bonds: Strengthening PeerConnections “My leadership experience wasfulfilling. I felt like I was movingforward with something importantthat gave purpose. I gained agreater sense of my responsibilitiesthat will help me in the real world” Adrian Rocha, 15 years oldLeadership Member“Being part of the Jóvenes Sanosleadership meetings has positivelyimpacted my confidence and hastaught me to be a proactive problemsolver. I also had a good timebonding with the other members.I'm grateful for the opportunityleadership has provided me” Jesus Nolasco, 16 years oldLeadership MemberLeadership RetreatBarrios Unidos Hosted Jovenes Sanos at the Walter Guzman Retreat CenterUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report9

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African American - 2% Asian - 5% Hispanic/Latino - 58% Multi-racial - 18% Native American/Alaskan - 2% White - 15% Female - 55% Male - 35% Non-Binary/gender nonconforming - 5% Prefer not to state - 5%YOUTH ACTION NETWORKThe Santa Cruz County Youth Action Network (YAN) is a countywide collaborative of youth and adults workingtogether to promote youth well-being by connecting young people to resources and opportunities to create positivecommunity change and elevating youth voices in decision-making. Our vision is to cultivate thriving and resilientyouth, ensuring their wellbeing and empowering them to see themselves as changemakers in their communities.This vision is made possible through values of dignity, integrity, empowerment, wellbeing, and equity. Mission The Youth Action Network works to connect young people in Santa Cruz County to leadership opportunities and toensure adults share a common understanding of best practices for working with youth. Problem StatementDemographicsThe Youth Action Network recognizes the need to shift the culture and practice of adults solely making decisionsthat impact youth to youth and adults working together to co-create solutions. To achieve this, the Network aims toincrease awareness of opportunities for youth, foster a culture where youth see themselves as leaders, improveadult practices for meaningful youth engagement, reduce organizational silos, and enhance communication andalignment within the community.Results from our Youth and Adult Partnerships Survey (2024) showed thatyouth feel more valued in their communities when they are givenopportunities to contribute meaningfully. Race/Ethnicity GenderYAN Steering Committee is sunsetting as we shift our focus to youth research. Thank you allfor your dedicated hard work and invaluable contributions!United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report10

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Jurisdictional RepresentativesJurisdictional Representatives and YAN steering committee members collaborate to strengthen youth and adultpartnerships, as well as plan the county-wide Leaders Unite 4 Youth workshop on policy and decision-making. Representatives include: Allan Timms, Scotts Valley City Council; Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Santa Cruz City Council; Yvette Brooks, Capitola City Council; Nick Merolla, Watsonville Parks & Recreation; Gloria Carroll, Santa Cruz County Child Welfare Youth Action Network (YAN) prioritizes engaging with youth agencies county-wide, identifying youth groups eachyear for collaborative efforts and capacity-building sessions. As a key member of the Watsonville Asset BuildersCollaborative, YAN is dedicated to promoting the 41 developmental assets that support youth development.Through the Community Calendar, YAN connects youth with accessible county-wide events, fostering activeparticipation and strengthening community ties. Our commitment to serving the community’s youth is driven by therobust engagement of our network partners. For more information about our network partners, please visit ourwebsite: (link).Engaging Our NetworkOur first Youth and Adult Partnerships (YAP) Summit took place on June 12th at Cabrillo College, in collaborationwith UCSC. During the Summit, the Youth Action Network presented the YAP survey findings, turning communitydata into actionable insights. The event brought together over 60 adult leaders and 9 youth presenters, offeringvaluable learning opportunities about best practices for youth engagement and a deeper understanding of existingdata on youth groups. Participants were also provided with practical tools to implement within their organizations,including feedback forms, customized theory of change models, and more.Post-summit feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of respondents reporting an improvedunderstanding of youth participation and youth-adult partnerships. When asked about actionable steps theyplanned to take back to their organizations, responses varied from utilizing new tools and checklists to focusing onspecific audiences and enhancing youth engagement by centering youth voices. Additional comments highlightedthe success of the event, with attendees praising the summit as, “Summit was great!” and “This was a really wellplanned and executed event. The handbook is fantastic and the slides were clear and very pleasing to look at.Thank you!!”YAP Summit Youth Civic Engagement Leaders Unite 4 YouthThe Leaders Unite 4 Youth: Workshop on Policy and Decision-Making, held on March 23rd, was a new annual youthengagement effort led by YAN adults and youth. This workshop engaged 18 youth participants and 12 communitydecision-makers through round table discussions, one-on-one conversations, and fun games. Young peopleconnected with Jurisdictional Representatives. After attending the workshop, 93.8% of respondents expressed anincreased understanding of decision-making processes and policy in the county. Additionally, the event sparkedyouth interest in the Children and Youth Bill of Rights, particularly Employment Opportunities (68.8%) anddeveloping Leadership Skills (75%), with a strong desire for more engagement opportunities with adult leaders. Onerespondent shared they wished they had, “more time to talk to adults,” while two others shared they wanted to learnmore about the Children & Youth Bill of Rights.United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report11

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Leadership MixerJovenes Sanos, Empower Watsonville, Teen Action Council, and CAB: Luna Y Sol joinedWatsonville Leadership Mixer hosted by YAN Leaders Unite 4 Youth YAN Event Uniting Youth & Adult LeadersScreen Printing Barrios Unidos Hosted Steering Committee Screen Printing “I think I have grown a lot. YAN has opened my eyes a lotin terms of finding ways to do better for the peoplearound me. It has also helped me personally. The BarriosUnidos Screen Printing event helped me connect a lotwith me and who I am, making me thankful for thepeople around me and where I come from.” - Belen Rodriguez “YAN has benefitted meby allowing me to getinvolved in mycommunity” - Natalia Galdamez United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report12

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STRENGTHENING YOUTH VOICE AND SUPPORT:PUBLIC POLICY MILESTONESThe Youth Action Network and Jóvenes Sanos, incollaboration with the Teen Action Council, EmpowerWatsonville, and Community Action Board’s Luna y Sol, tookproactive steps to enhance youth development inWatsonville by proposing a proclamation to establish the 41developmental assets framework for all youth organizationsin the city. Collaborating with the Watsonville City Parks andRecreation Department, youth crafted a compellingpresentation that was delivered at the Watsonville CityCouncil Meeting on March 26th. With a shared vision ofempowering local youth, this initiative aimed to secureapproval for the proclamation and foster ongoingcollaboration, establishing holistic growth and resilienceamong the Watsonville community’s youth and adult allies.Watsonville City Development Asset ProclamationThe Children and Youth Bill of Rights is aimed at empowering young people by ensuring their voices are heard andtheir needs addressed across community sectors. It focuses on meaningful youth participation in decisionsimpacting their lives, promoting their well-being, and ensuring access to essential resources and opportunities.The Youth Action Network (YAN) was instrumental in advancing this initiative. On July 27, 2023, Capitola Cityunanimously adopted a youth liaison position as part of their Bill of Rights, thanks to the efforts of the YAN SteeringCommittee and Jurisdictional Representatives. Similarly, on March 20, 2024, Scotts Valley passed the Bill of Rightswith strong support from local youth leaders and community advocates, including presentations by Scotts ValleyYAN Steering Committee members and the Community Impact Director.The Children and Youth Bill of RightsUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report13

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YOUTH PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCHYPAR empowers young people to conduct research with the goal of improving their community. By centering youthvoices and experiences, YPAR equips youth to use research to address issues that matter most to them. Thisapproach values the cultural capital and community contexts of those involved, aligning closely with theCommunity-Initiated Student-Engaged Research (CISER) model, which also emphasizes creative communityengagement.Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)In partnership with UC Santa Cruz (UCSC),youth from Santa Cruz County focused theirYPAR project on immigrant safety andcommunity wellbeing. The research beganwith a thorough countywide survey andfocus groups, involving UCSCundergraduate students and communitymembers. The primary goals were tounderstand how social contexts andenvironmental factors impact mentalhealth, identify necessary societal changesto enhance community well-being, anddevelop actionable solutions. The researchhighlighted several key social factorsaffecting Santa Cruz County residents:access to neighborhood resources,neighborhood design, experiences withracial discrimination, and immigrant safety.Collaboration with UCSC This collaboration brought together 40 youth from across the county, who committed to monthly Saturdaymeetings to drive the research forward. These meetings often included Undergraduate researchers, which not onlyfostered the Undergraduate’s educational development, but also provided youth community members withexposure to young adults in higher education. Their collective efforts in analyzing the provided data led to thecreation and distribution of 200 comprehensive resource kits designed to support immigrant families. Each kitincluded essential information on community services and educational materials, providing much-needed supportto immigrant farmworkers in our community.Youth Voice Leading the ResearchFocusing on the impact of immigrant safety, the youth decided to create resource kits to address this issue. Thekits, packed with information on housing, health, legal aid, food services, and educational resources, are designedto improve the well-being and life satisfaction of immigrant families. Each kit included a booklet, a magnet, andvarious essential items in a tote bag, ensuring that the families have access to critical resources.The YPAR project not only provided valuable support to the community but also demonstrated the significantimpact of youth involvement in research and decision-making processes. The successful execution of this projectunderscores the potential of youth-led initiatives to drive meaningful change and highlights the importance ofintegrating young people's perspectives in community development efforts.Youth Action: Mobilizing Community Power United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report14

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“Jóvenes Sanos was the beginning of myjourney. It gave me the tools to explore myself.I was introduced to many people whosupported me and helped me continue to helpthe community, and I hope that if and whenyou join, you can feel the same as I did,connected.““The Cultivating Hope event was an amazingevent, I got to meet new people and explorethe benefits of taking care of my mental healthas well as, learn what it is. We had engagingtalks, presentations , interactive sessions, andpracticed ways to take care of ourselves. Theevent helped us learn the importance ofsetting goals, maintaining a positive mindset,and ways to prioritize our mental health. Ipersonally left feeling empowered andmotivated to try new things and to take care ofmy well being. “Gabriel Melgoza, 16 years oldLeadership MemberMelinna Rocha, 15 years oldLeadership MemberUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report15

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SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SHARED SAFETY WORKGROUPThe Santa Cruz County Shared Safety Workgroup (SSW) is a collaborative that is working to better meet the needsof survivors and victims of crime. The Workgroup, which includes representation from health, justice, government,community members, service providers, and survivors of crime, came together on a monthly basis to grapple withcomplex issues and topics related to public safety and crime survivors/victims. Shared Safety involves centeringsurvivors, viewing safety as wellbeing, emphasizes a public health approach, works to break the cycle of harm andmake the system work. The SSW supported the implementation of recommendations identified in the Santa CruzCounty Shared Safety: Survivors at the Center report (2020).Victim Financial RestitutionSurvivor Engagement Survivor System Mapping with the Office forVictims of CrimeTrauma Recovery Center Planning Restorative JusticeWrap Around Supports for Victims of ViolentCrimeGOALS23/24 Areas of Focus 12345Prioritize Healing & Restoration forCrime SurvivorsEnsure Access to Trauma RecoveryServicesEngage Crime Survivors to Prioritize &Elevate their Voices Strengthen Trust & Confidence in theCriminal Justice System Recognize Who is MostVulnerableUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report16

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211survivorsofcrime.org92% of survey respondents indicated that the forumincreased their understanding of the distinction betweenrestorative practices and restorative justice, where 8%indicated they were already familiar with the distinction. 87.5% indicated that because of the forum, they are morefamiliar with existing restorative practice programs andapproaches in Santa Cruz County, where 12.5% indicatedthey were already familiar with existing practices.After several years of system mappingand compiling all the various victim-serving resources into one place, theSSW developed211survivorsofcrime.org. The webpageis connected on the back end tohttps://www.211santacruzcounty.org/.The goal of the webpage is to ensurethe survivor and service providershave access to detailed andcomprehensive information forreferrals and available resourceshandpicked for the individual in needof support. April 25, 2024, the SSW hosted Healing our Communities Restorative Practices in Santa Cruz County. It was atransformational event. Over 80 community members and system leaders attended, ranging from policy makers tograssroots community. The objectives of the forum were to: 1) clarify the distinction between restorative justiceprograms and restorative practices, emphasizing their significance; 2) showcase existing restorative justice andpractice models; 3) provide a platform for lived experience experts to share their experiences with restorativejustice; and 4) foster community dialogues about opportunities to enhance restorative justice in the community.The forum included spoken word & poetry, a land acknowledgement, overviews on restorative practices and justice,a legislative overview of AB60, a panel of those that have been harmed and participated in restorative justiceprocesses, community table conversations, and a resource fair.HIGHLIGHTSShared Safety Round Tablewith California AttorneyGeneral Rob BontaThe California AttorneyGeneral’s Office of CommunityAwareness, Response, andEngagement reached out toorganize a special session withAttorney General Rob Bontaand Shared Safety Workgrouprepresentatives that workspecifically on issuesimpacting young survivors. SSW members answered the questions: What is a critical issue impactingyoung survivors you serve and what is your organization doing to address it?Themes included: intersectionality of victimization, connection between child welfaresystem & juvenile justice system; the relationship between victimization & committing harm;impacts of trauma & the need for mental health providers; struggles around poverty & housing;disturbing trends on increasing rates of sexual assault;challenges of parental consent needed for restraining orders; andbarriers the complexity of the system presents & mistrust of that system United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report17

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COMMUNITY IMPACT PARTNERSAssemblymember Dawn Addis and StaffCapitola City CouncilCapitola City Police DepartmentCapitola MallCapitola Parks and RecreationCapitola Public Safety FoundationCity of Watsonville Parks andCommunity ServicesCommunity Action Board of Santa CruzCountyCommunity BridgesCommunity Health Trust of PajaroValleyConflict Resolution Center of SantaCruz CountyCounty Board of Supervisors and StaffCourt Appointed Special Advocates(CASA)Cradle to CareerDigital NEST WatsonvilleDiversity CenterEmpower WatsonvilleEncompass Community ServicesHuman Care AllianceLionel Cantú Queer Resource CenterLiving EvolutionMonarch ServicesNAACPNAMI Santa Cruz CountyPajaro Valley ArtsPajaro Valley Prevention and StudentAssistancePajaro Valley Unified School DistrictExpanded LearningSalud y CarinoSanta Cruz Barrios UnidosSanta Cruz City CouncilSanta Cruz Community HealthSanta Cruz County Administrative OfficeSanta Cruz County Behavioral HealthSanta Cruz County ClerkSanta Cruz County District Attorney'sOfficeSanta Cruz County Family and Children’sServicesSanta Cruz County Office of EducationSanta Cruz County ProbationSanta Cruz County Public Defender'sOfficeSanta Cruz County Public HealthSanta Cruz County Sheriff’s OfficeScotts Valley City CouncilUC Santa Cruz Campus + CommunityVolunteer Center of Santa Cruz CountyWalnut Ave. Family & Women’s CenterWatsonville City’s Teen Action CouncilWatsonville Youth CenterYoga for All MovementYour Future is Our BusinessHeartfelt thanks to all our partners for their invaluablecontributions in helping us build a better community!United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report18

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Hispanic/Latino74%White15%Multi-racial7%Hispanic/Latino95%Multi-racial5%Hispanic/Latino60%Asian20%White20%Female56.9%Male32.4%Prefer not to state6.9%Female52%Male43%Non-Binary/gender nonconforming5%Female60%Male40%English70%Spanish30%English73%Spanish23%Other4%English80%Spanish20%City of Watsonville66.6%City of Santa Cruz14.3%City of Scotts Valley7.2%City of Watsonville & Freedom100%City of Watsonville30%Unincorporated Mid-County20%City of Capitola20%City of Scotts Valley20%Unincorporated San Lorenzo10%RESEARCH AND FINDINGSThe Youth and Adult Partnerships (YAP) Survey, conducted to assess youth-adult partnerships in SantaCruz County, gathered input from 79 youth and 42 adults. The study aimed to guide the United Way and itsYouth Action Network (YAN) in optimizing resource allocation and understanding community organizingamong youth organizations. The survey results reveal a general sense of support among youth from adults in their community,particularly within YAN-affiliated programs. Overall, 58.7% of the responding youth agreed that theirvoices mattered in terms of youth being able to contribute to project leadership. Alternatively, 93.0% ofadults agreed with the same scale on Youth Project implementation. While adults perceive themselves as supportive, a gap exists between their perception and the youths'experiences, especially in areas like program development and decision-making. Youth often feelneglected when adults do not actively engage with them, suggesting that adults may overestimate theirimpact. The survey also highlights that youth feel more valued when they are given meaningfulopportunities to contribute and when adults demonstrate empathy, flexibility, and respect in theirinteractions. More data can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/YAP2024TechReportYAP Survey Youth Programming DemographicsRace/EthnicityGenderPrimary Lang. ResidenceJóvenesSanosYouthParticipatoryActionResearchYouthActionNetworkUnited Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report19

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Equity: Equity is the intentional inclusion of everyone in society. Equity is achieved whensystemic, institutional, and historical barriers based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and otheridentities are dismantled and no longer predict socioeconomic, education, and health outcomes.The 41 Developmental Assets: This framework, developed by the Search Institute, identifies 41positive experiences and qualities, categorized into internal and external assets, that supportyouth development and well-being.Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): ACEs are traumatic events occurring before age 18, suchas abuse and neglect, which can significantly impact long-term health. We incorporate strategiesto address ACEs and promote resilience.ACEs Aware Stress Busters: These evidence-based strategies help mitigate the impact of ACEsand promote healing and resilience, aimed at improving overall well-being. Prevention: We employ proactive measures and protective factors to prevent substance use andviolence through education, community initiatives, policy changes, and support systems thataddress underlying causes.Protective Factors: Conditions or attributes that mitigate or eliminate risk, helping individuals dealmore effectively with stressful events and mitigating or eliminating risk factors. Social Determinants of Health: We address conditions that affect health outcomes, includingeconomic stability, education, social and community context, health care, and neighborhoodenvironment.Guiding Principles for Working with Youth: Our team adheres to principles co-designed with youthto effectively engage and support youth within our initiatives.Various Approaches to Youth Engagement: We use a range of strategies to engage youthmeaningfully, ensuring their active participation and input in our initiatives. Learn more throughour Youth Action Network Webpage: http://www.sccyan.org/resources.html Data-Driven Decision-Making: using facts, metrics, and data to guide strategic decisions that alignwith our goals, objectives, and initiatives.FRAMEWORKS AND STRATEGIESOur Community Impact Team, leverages several key overarching frameworks and strategies to guideour efforts and ensure effective community support and engagement:United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report20

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MODELING YOUTH AND ADULT PARTNERSHIPSAND INCREASING YOUTH VOICEBy integrating these frameworks and strategies, we enhance youth involvement and model effectiveyouth-adult partnerships, ensuring that young people actively contribute to community developmentand positive change.Youth-Led Research Projects: We support youth-led research efforts throughinitiatives like Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), partnering withorganizations to ensure youth perspectives drive research and solutions.Leadership Committees: Our Leadership Committees, including youth in roles such asPresident and Vice President, play a crucial role in guiding decisions on programdevelopment and planning, fostering collaboration and shared responsibility.Structured Engagement Opportunities: We provide structured platforms for youth toengage in leadership and decision-making through regular meetings, workshops, andcollaborative projects, ensuring their feedback influences program outcomes.Skills Development Programs: We offer programs that build essential skills in youth,such as research, public speaking, and project management, empowering them toadvocate for themselves and their communities.Community Partnerships: We collaborate with community organizations to bridge thegap between youth and broader initiatives, ensuring that youth voices contribute tomeaningful change.Feedback Mechanisms: We use various feedback mechanisms, including surveys, andlistening sessions, to gather youth input and ensure their experiences and suggestionsare integrated into our programs.Youth-Adult Collaborative Projects: We engage youth and adults in collaborativeprojects that leverage their combined strengths, promoting mutual learning andshared goals.Celebrating Youth Contributions: We recognize and celebrate youth achievementsthrough awards and public acknowledgments, validating their efforts and encouragingcontinued engagement.12345678United Way Santa Cruz 2023-2024 Annual Report21

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SARAH EMMERT’S FAREWELLDear Friends and Colleagues,As some of you may already know, after 10 incredible years with United Way of Santa Cruz County, Iannounced earlier this year that I will be transitioning out of my role as Director of Community Impact,with my final day set for December 2024, just before the winter break.Having nine months to plan this transition has been an invaluable opportunity. It has allowed me tofinalize key projects, ensure the Community Impact Team is set up for long-term success, and workclosely with my amazing successor (announcement coming soon). Together, we are making sure she hasthe tools and support to thrive in her new role as Director of Community Impact, starting January 2025.As I prepare to pass the baton, I am filled with optimism and excitement. The next generation of leaders,both within United Way and our community, are ready to take the work of the Community Impact Dept. tothe next level. It is their time to build on the foundations we’ve established, bring fresh perspectives, andpush forward even more innovative and bold solutions to the challenges we face. I am confident they willcontinue to lead with heart, vision, and a deep commitment to equity and justice.Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many of you on a range of impactfulefforts, from youth violence prevention and leadership development to racial justice, criminal justicereform, substance abuse policy, child abuse prevention, youth participatory research, trauma-informedsystems, and more—all focused on advancing equitable well-being for our community.While my time at United Way is coming to a close, my work within our community is far from over. I amexcited to continue collaborating with many of you in my new role as a consultant, dedicated to advancingtransformative community and systems change.Thank you for your partnership, support, and shared commitment to creating a better future for all.With gratitude,Sarah

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