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The Maurice Amado Foundation (MAF), a California foundation, has awarded
a grant of $20,000 to the Homeless Education/Liaison Project (HE/LP)
of the Santa Barbara County Education Office’s Center for Community
Education. MAF funds areas of children’s health care, social services
for at-risk populations, the arts, Judaic cultural programs, and education
support.
The Homeless Education/Liaison Project, started in 1990, serves children
who are experiencing homelessness throughout Santa Barbara County. Annually
serving more than 1,000 children and youth, HE/LP provides a community/school
liaison to make sure the children are attending school, receiving the
benefits from community resources, and other support for their health,
welfare, and educational success.
In addition, HE/LP sponsors after-school educational enrichment programs
at Transition House in Santa Barbara, Good Samaritan and Shelter Services
for Women in Santa Maria, and at Hope Center in Lompoc.
“This grant is truly going to make a difference in our services
this year,” said County Superintendent Bill Cirone, whose office
coordinates the program.
Added Susan Ham, HE/LP coordinator for the county, “We are seeing
an increasing number of children. This means we need more resources
and facilities to meet their needs and to provide a very personal service
to youngsters at a critical point in their lives,” she said.
“The Amado Foundation grant will allow us to move to larger facilities
in Santa Maria, increase after school and liaison time, purchase educational
materials, and even take a few field trips to see more of the community.”
HE/LP is a partnership between the Santa Barbara County Education Office,
Community Action Commission, local shelters and providers for the homeless,
the California Department of Education, school districts, and many county
service and charitable organizations and individuals or businesses.
The project is funded by grants, donations, in-kind services, and volunteers.
Those interested in becoming involved in helping children who are homeless
are asked to call Susan Ham at 569-3873.
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