Rich Schuette, Board President

Just before my second daughter was born, my wife and I sat down to talk about how our priorities had shifted since having children. We reflected on how scary it was to become first-time parents. We realized how lucky we were to have a strong support system, and a solid foundation to provide a happy healthy life for our children, and we also recognized the sad reality that child abuse does exist in Santa Barbara. We felt the responsibility to get involved and make our community a better place for all children. We looked around at the many organizations making a difference in our community and one stood apart from the rest — CALM.

CALM has touched thousands of lives in a positive way. The things we do every day make a difference in children’s lives forever. CALM helps repair and piece lives back together after abuse and neglect has occurred, but it’s the programs and services CALM does before the abuse ever begins that makes an even greater impact. Claire Miles had a vision of a world that was free from child abuse. Everyday, for the past 40 years, CALM’s staff, board members, auxiliary, generous donors, friends and family of supporters take steps to make that dream a reality. Providing parents with the necessary tools and working with these families to prevent abuse before it ever starts, are the goals we work towards and are committed to every day.

Even as CALM faces financial challenges in this difficult economic climate, I see the dedication of those who continue to work tirelessly to fulfill our mission, making CALM stronger than ever. Today, due to huge cuts in government support, more competitive funding sources, and economic challenges faced by our donors, we have had to make tougher choices than we could ever imagine. This year, our Board of Trustees, with guidance from CALM’s executive staff, agreed to keep 100% of our programs fully funded, even though it meant sacrifices by all. It is thanks to the support of each of you, that we have been able to stand strong and to reach these children and families that need our help, our comfort, and our “home.”

Please join me in digging a little deeper. Every dollar we receive goes directly to funding programs that desperately need extra support this year. Together, we can help the children of Santa Barbara County grow and carry the next generation into the future.

Thank you for helping CALM make a difference.