By Yvette Lopez Brooks
Eighty-five years ago, neighbors in Santa Cruz County came together with one simple belief: When we care for each other, our community thrives. That belief is still at the heart of United Way of Santa Cruz County. From the redwoods to the ocean, we have grown into a hub that connects people, resources and hope because the challenges we face are bigger than any one person or organization.
Yvette Lopez Brooks
This summer, I stood in the middle of Kaiser Permanente Arena as hundreds of volunteers packed 2,700 brand-new backpacks for students at our annual Stuff the Bus event. The energy in the room was electric as families, coaches, youth leaders and business partners all worked side by side. One student picked up her backpack and whispered, “Now I feel ready for school.” That is what United Way looks like in action: dignity, possibility and community, all in one moment.
Stories like this happen every day through our two major initiatives: United4Youth and United4Community.
United4Youth empowers young people across the county to lead, to raise their voices and to design solutions for issues such as mental health, civic engagement and equity. Youth leaders in Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Capitola are shaping policies and building resilience not just for themselves but for generations to come.
United4Community is our safety net. It is where our 211 Helpline shines — a free, 24/7 number that connects anyone in Santa Cruz County to food, housing, disaster relief, mental health care and much more. Last month, a mother fleeing a dangerous situation called 211. Within hours, she was connected to a safe shelter and resources to start fresh with her child. That is the power of neighbors helping neighbors.
As a former Capitola mayor, I have seen firsthand how essential partnerships are. No city, nonprofit or business can carry the load alone. But when we live united — sharing responsibility, lifting one another and investing together — we create a stronger Santa Cruz County.
This year, as we celebrate our 85th anniversary, I invite you to join us. Whether you are a longtime local or just visiting, there is a place for you in this work. Visit unitedwaysc.org to learn about volunteering, attending an event or accessing 211. Your time, your voice and your generosity truly make a difference.
In the future, I will introduce you to two of our closest partners, Cradle to Career and First 5 Santa Cruz County, and the incredible ways we are teaming up to give every child the best possible start in life.
For now, I leave you with this: Every backpack, every phone call and every partnership is a reminder that we are at our best when we show up for one another. Together, we have been doing it for 85 years, and together we will keep building a future where everyone can thrive.
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Yvette Lopez Brooks is the CEO of United Way Santa Cruz County.