I’d like to share with you three organizations in our region that merit attention, and explain how the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is assisting them in building better and solid futures.

One is Unity Shoppe. Some families in our county require extra help to get through financial bad times or a medical crisis, so they can make it back on their feet. Unity Shoppe does this by providing food, clothes, toys and other household items. Non-profit organizations, churches, schools and hospitals — some 300 groups in all — refer families to Unity Shoppe.

Without Unity Shoppe, a big hole would exist in our community’s safety net. Once families are referred, Unity Shoppe has worked to create an atmosphere that doesn’t take away their dignity despite suffering financial hardships. About 24,000 clients a year come through its doors.