Kids Network of Santa Barbara County Youth Impact Awards

On Thursday, December 9, 2010, United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) staff joined parents, families, and friends at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center in Santa Maria to help the KIDS Network of Santa Barbara County recognize and honor two UWSBC Youth Groups for their contributions and impact to the Santa Barbara County community. Every year, the KIDS Network honors youth who have made a significant positive impact on their communities in Santa Barbara County. The award is known as the Youth Impact Award. Nominations are received from members of the community, and all young people ages ten through eighteen living or attending school in Santa Barbara County qualify. The first winning group was the Don's Net Café Santa Barbara High School Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program and the second winner was Fun in the Sun-Summer of Service (FITS-SOS) group for their Guadalupe Native Garden Project. Each group was given the opportunity to present their projects and programs during the event.　 Certificates of recognition from 1st and 4th District Supervisors Salud Carbajal and Joni Gray, CA Senator Tony Strickland, and U.S. Congresswoman Lois Capps were awarded to each group. Winners also received a $250 award for their program. UWSBC is excited and proud of the accomplishments of these two youth groups. The positive change that each group is making in our Santa Barbara County communities now will lead to a much larger and long-term impact that will improve the lives for our communities' current and future children, seniors, and their families.   Other Related Articles/Stories Santa Barbara NewsPress Article-Youth Impact Awards All About Guadalupe Native Garden Project All About Don's Net Cafe-Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program