Makiayla is on her way to Owning her own Café After Participating in Santa Maria’s Workforce Development Program

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One of the many opportunities offered at Santa Maria Community Services is our Workforce Experience program. This program partners with local businesses to provide our participants with on-the-job training, tangible job skills, and measurable certifications. One of our most requested … Continued

S. Blandina and S. Justina’s Great-Great-Niece Shares Memories of Santa Maria’s Co-Founders

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Santa Maria Community Services, Inc. was co-founded by two Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, and biological sisters, Blandina (born Maria Rosa) and Justina (born Maria Maddalena) Segale. The Sisters, born in Italy, immigrated to the United States in 1855, eventually … Continued

Julieta Simms and Tony Simms-Howell Reflect on their Combined 18 Years with Santa Maria

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As part of our ongoing series for our 125th birthday this year, Santa Maria has been sharing memories from program participants, volunteers, staff and board members. We conclude our series this month with reflections from Julieta Simms and Tony Simms-Howell, … Continued

Changing the Game: Conversations with DJ Martin

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Danny Burridge, Youth Development Director at Santa Maria, remembers very clearly the first time he met DJ Martin. It was February 2021, and Danny had just started his new position at Santa Maria’s Joe Williams Family Center (JWFC). Youth Development … Continued

Jim Holmstrom Looks Back on a Life’s Journey of Helping Youth

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“YOUTH WORKER WANTED: Working in an inner-city Appalachian neighborhood with youth. Must be willing to meet them where they are; in the streets, and in the pool halls.” That’s the job announcement that Jim Holmstrom saw in 1977 that piqued … Continued