Together. Transform. Thrive. in 2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we move forward into this month, I am reminded of the strong resilience and collaboration that define our community. This issue of our newsletter is full of resources, opportunities, highlights, and celebrations that reflect the collective work taking place across Santa Barbara County.

We recognize that many Federal Workers may be navigating uncertainty at this time. To support those affected, we have included services and guidance available through the America’s Job Center network, along with additional support resources. Please share these with anyone who may benefit—our team is here to help.

This month, we are proud to celebrate our Workforce Awards and this year’s recipients, whose dedication and leadership continue to move workforce development forward in our region. Their impact and partnership inspire us all.

We also continue our Leadership Spotlights, highlighting Board Vice Chair Sandra Dickerson, whose commitment to collaboration and service strengthens our Board and our system; and Daisy Paniagua-Uribe, Manager of the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP), whose work through Creciendo Raíces continues to expand access, trust, and opportunity for farmworker families in our communities.

In addition, this issue includes:

• A recap of recent events and community engagement,
• Resources for businesses, including an invitation to construction employers to participate in an upcoming Job & Career Fair in Santa Maria,
• And job seeker resources, including two U.S. Postal Service hiring events happening in the next few days.

We are also introducing a new one-page overview titled About Us at a Glance — a quick guide to:

• Who we are
• What we do best
• Our impact in the community
• How to get involved
• How to contact us

Please feel free to save it, share it, and use it when introducing others to the work of the Workforce Development Board. It’s designed to make connection easy.

Every month reminds us that workforce development is not just a system — it’s a partnership, made possible by the businesses, educators, community organizations, and individuals who believe in access and opportunity for all.

Together. Transform. Thrive.

Warm regards,

Luis F. Servin

Executive Director

Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board

Resources for Federal Workers

Rapid Response Services for Business Closures, Layoffs or Furloughs

The Workforce Development Board and our partners are here to help you through this time.

• Connect with the Employment Development Department (EDD) for assistance on filing for unemployment
• Obtain assistance with job search, career assessment, labor trends, etc.
• Connect with employers
• Attend workshops on resume building, interviewing preparation, how to obtain State Employment
• Free use of equipment such as computer, fax, copier, scanner at the America's Job Center of California locations
• Connect with other resources to help you with medical, food, etc.

Please contact Alma Janabajab, Rapid Response Coordinator at Alma@SBCWDB.org

In case you missed the Federal Workers Virtual Rights & Resource Session

On October 29, many of our partners collaborated to provide a virtual, statewide Rapid Response Orientation for federal workers in California. In case you missed it, here is the YouTube Link.

In addition, here are some resources the labor union put together and provided for us to share out.

Click here for PDF copy of Resources Working Without Pay flyer

Click here for PDF copy of Resources Working With Pay flyer

Message from the California Federation of Labor Unions:

Dear Federal Workers and Families,

During this period of uncertainty due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, we recognize the significant stress and challenges you and your families are facing. Thank you for turning to your union family for support and for joining our virtual Layoff Assistance Session on October 29th.

The California Federation of Labor Unions, in collaboration with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and unions across our state, remains committed to providing you with support and essential information. As promised, below are the key resources shared during the session to help you navigate this difficult time.

Immediate Financial Support & Essential Needs

• Unemployment Insurance (UI): A guide on how to file for benefits and access the dedicated EDD resource line for federal workers.
• California’s furloughed federal workers impacted by this government shutdown may be eligible for unemployment benefits, which provide financial support for those who are unemployed and not working. (linked) Unemployment Benefits for Federal Workers
• During time of application, Federal workers will need to provide their FIC Number when applying.
• When back pay is received all received benefits will need to be paid back.
• Important: However, employees who are still employed but not receiving payment are not considered unemployed and, unfortunately, do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
• Find Your Local Food Bank: Immediate support is available. You can locate food assistance services near you through the California Association of Food Banks.
• Find a Food Bank in Your County
• Connect with Your Local Labor Council

For additional, localized support, we encourage you to reach out to your central labor council. These councils are federations of local unions in your area and can often connect you with community resources, assistance programs, and solidarity support.

• Find a Local Labor Council Near You
• Flyers above and Resources from California Federation of Labor Unions
• Union-Specific Support
• The California Federation of Labor has launched a dedicated webpage packed with resources tailored for federal union members impacted by the shutdown.
• AFGE Member Resources Hub established by the California Federation of Labor Unions
• Career Support & Future Opportunities: Your local AJCC One-Stop Centers offer invaluable tools, including:

o  Career Coaching & Job Search Assistance

o  Resume Workshops & Upskilling Programs

o  Access to training opportunities to expand your qualifications

•  Find Your Local AJCC One-Stop Center

We’re Here for You

Please remember, you are not alone in this. For questions or further assistance, contact:

California Federation of Labor Union Team

• Lucas Cruz | Lucas@calaborfed.org | 619-994-1345
• Cesar Lara | Cesar@calaborfed.org | 831-444-5060

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

• Ryan Mims | MimsR@afge.org | Cell: 202-341-0470 

We will connect you with local union reps to ensure you get the support you need.

Link to the Session Recording

If you missed the session or want to review the information, you can watch the recording here 

·               YouTube

Quick Access to All Resources

·               Apply for Unemployment Benefits in California

·               Apply for Health Coverage through Covered California

In Solidarity,

California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

Additional Resources:

• California Federations of Labor Unions AFGE Members Resources
• Link to apply for Covered California
• EDD unemployment insurance presentation
• Cabrillo Credit Union has partnered with AFGE District 12 to bring you a specially designed safety net during shutdowns. 

Unity Shoppe: Providing Groceries and Essentials with Dignity, Choice, and Respect

Article provided by Angela Miller-Bevan, Unity Shoppe

For more than 100 years, Unity Shoppe has been dedicated to helping Santa Barbara County residents facing temporary hardship due to financial struggles, job loss, natural disasters, or health crises. Through our Free Store, we provide nutritious groceries, fresh produce, and essential household items to local individuals and families, all at no cost.

What makes Unity Shoppe unique is our commitment to dignity, choice, and respect. Instead of receiving pre-packed boxes, clients shop in a welcoming store-like setting, choosing the foods and essentials that best meet their family’s needs. This approach not only addresses hunger but restores a sense of normalcy and self-sufficiency during difficult times.

Unity Shoppe serves thousands of residents each year, many of whom are low-income families, seniors on fixed incomes, or individuals temporarily impacted by economic or health challenges. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in community members affected by reductions in SNAP benefits and federal workers experiencing financial strain. Unity Shoppe is here to ensure no one goes hungry and every household has access to healthy food options.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can access Unity Shoppe’s services through our referral network. We partner with over 400 local agencies, schools, and service providers across Santa Barbara County who can provide a referral to shop with us. Simply ask your case manager, social worker, or school counselor to contact Unity Shoppe to start the process.

To learn more about receiving groceries or becoming a referring agency, please call (805) 965-4122 or visit www.unityshoppe.org. Together, we can help ensure that every neighbor has access to the food and care they need, with dignity, choice, and respect.

Foodbank

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is such a great resource for those who need access to food.

Foodbank Link

Jewish Free Loan Association - Supporting Our Community Through the Shutdown

As the government shutdown continues, federal employees in our community are bearing a heavy financial burden and JFLA is here to help them.

Many have already missed paychecks and are struggling to cover basic needs such as rent, groceries, and medical prescriptions. Throughout Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties, some federal employees are turning to food banks for support.

If you or someone you know is facing financial strain during this difficult time, JFLA can help with a zero-interest, zero-fee loan of up to $7,500 with one qualified guarantor.

Please note: Applicants must submit their two most recent pay stubs received before being furloughed.