Voices of Hope: Building Community Resilience in Lompoc
Community members meeting at Lompoc High School.
In the heart of Lompoc, a transformative grassroots initiative rooted in community engagement and collaboration is taking shape. Developed in partnership with Collective Cultures Creating Change-Lompoc (C4) and Resilient Santa Barbara County (RSBC), the Self Healing Community (SHC) initiative aims to foster resilience and healing among residents. The partnership arose from the desire to improve outcomes for youth and families in light of drastic increases in violent crime and, in particular, among youth. Violence, loss of life, and the resulting trauma in low-income neighborhoods in Lompoc primarily affect people of color, leading to individual and community-wide impacts from increases in chronic disease, normalization of violence, decreased social cohesion, loss of hope, and weakened community resilience.
We at LegacyWorks Group recognize the need for support in capacity-building to address the deep-rooted issues of intergenerational trauma and partnered with C4 on shared values to provide that support and make a positive impact. Together with RSBC, we are working to implement the SHC model—a community empowerment framework that has proven effective in various communities nationwide. This collaboration aims to empower individuals and build a community in Lompoc through a collective effort to raise awareness about trauma and the biology of stress.
Barb Finch and Terri Allison lead the Resilient Santa Barbara County (RSBC) initiative. Our collaborative network is dedicated to preventing and mitigating the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) throughout Santa Barbara County. Through education, idea exchange, and sharing opportunities, RSBC transforms lives with practical, community-centered solutions. RSBC’s work in helping to bring the SHC model to Lompoc, along with their continued support of the initiative, is essential and serves as an example of strong collaborative community support for achieving successful outcomes and driving change.
Ellen Kwiatkowski, Co-Director of LegacyWorks Group's Central Coast Region, has over 25 years of non-profit experience leading, developing, and implementing initiatives for community benefit. Her approach to community healing transcends specific career fields, instead taking root in the relationships she cultivates. “It’s less about the field I’ve worked in and more about how I prefer to work, where relationships are at the center,” she explained, highlighting her work in healthcare for the underserved and how it informed her understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals. Learning about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) illuminated the profound effects of trauma on growth and behavior, reshaping her perspective on community work.
Raymond Segovia Jr., the SHC initiatives Project Manager, brings a unique perspective to the team, having faced challenges similar to those in his community. His personal experience allows him to connect deeply with SHC's mission. “Growing up in an environment where I didn’t feel safe, I understood firsthand the importance of support and connection,” he shared. His discovery of ACEs was a turning point, sparking a desire to help others facing similar challenges. Raymond’s commitment to fostering trust and resilience within the community is driven by a genuine understanding that healing is not a linear process—it ebbs and flows, just like life itself.
We, at LegacyWorks Group, C4, and a range of supporting partners, including Supervisor Joan Hartman, the Fund for Santa Barbara, the Towbes Foundation, and the Bower Foundation, are helping to apply the SHC model for powerful community-led healing and transformation. Our focus on building partnerships rather than dictating solutions reflects a belief that actual change occurs when individuals work together, leveraging their collective strengths. “When you collaborate, the end result is always greater than the sum of its parts. There’s an excitement in the unknown, and often the outcome exceeds anything you could have imagined.”, shares Ellen.
“When you collaborate, the end result is always greater than the sum of its parts. There’s excitement in the unknown, and often the outcome exceeds what you could have imagined.”
Ellen and Raymond aspire to raise awareness about trauma and its effects, ensuring that those who have experienced adversity know they are not alone in their struggles. “Having gone through my own challenges, I want to be part of the solution for others,” Raymond said, reflecting on his desire to bring awareness and support to the community. He believes that each individual’s healing journey can lead to a ripple effect, positively impacting families, friends, and, ultimately, the community as a whole.
Through the SHC initiative in Lompoc, LegacyWorks and our partners' commitment to relationship-building and collaboration sets the stage for a brighter future. These community-led efforts serve as a model for collaborative healing, demonstrating that transformative change is indeed possible through understanding and connection. As we continue our work in partnership with C4 and a community eager to heal, we are not only developing a program; we are igniting hope and fostering the promise of a stronger, more connected community.
