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Goleta, Calif., March 3, 2026 — LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. celebrated its 55th anniversary as a nonprofit — and 50 years of providing high-quality childcare — at the 2026 LEAP Awards Brunch on Saturday, February 28, at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The event raised $81,715 to support LEAP’s programs and services for children and families across Santa Barbara County.
Founded as Isla Vista Youth Projects amid the unrest of the early 1970s, LEAP emerged in response to a community in need of stability and support. In the wake of local riots and the burning of the Bank of America, the organization helped create a child-centered network of care that enabled families to work, access critical social services, and build resilience. Those early efforts laid the foundation for the strong, connected community LEAP continues to serve today.
“For 55 years, LEAP has quietly and consistently shown up for children and families,” Board Chair Chuck Flacks said in his opening remarks. “Through early education, family advocacy, and now expansion into Lompoc.”…