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Who We Are
The Santa Cruz County Youth Resource Bank (YRB) is a non-profit (501c 3), all-volunteer organization working with professionals in our community—social workers, teachers, and public health nurses—to meet the needs of at-risk youth in Santa Cruz County. YRB provides funding and items such as backpacks, sports equipment, school supplies, clothing, and so much more. YRB believes that small things can make a big difference in the life of a child.
How It Works
YRB accepts requests from organizations and professionals working in the community with at-risk youth, including teachers, public health nurses, social workers, and juvenile counselors. These are the people who understand the patchwork of programs and systems, and who know when a child has fallen between the cracks and needs a little help without red tape. Because of our network of referrals, the YRB serves many children and young adults not covered by various systems and agencies. MORE » MORE
YRB does not accept requests from the general public. When a request is received, it is quickly reviewed and if the request meets basic requirements (assistance to a child in a situation in which there are no other immediately available resources, typically up to $150 per child), YRB fills the request with, for example, a check to a science camp or gym fee, a Ross or Safeway gift card, providing a quick and specific response to an acute need.
YRB serves many children and young adults not covered by various state, county and city programs. YRB typically receives five or more requests for assistance per week, the vast majority of which are fulfilled without delay, red tape or hassle.
Funding
The YRB is funded through gifts of generous donors and sponsors. YRB is operated entirely by a volunteer board with almost no overhead, so the money we raise goes directly to those who need it, “a dollar in is a dollar out” to the children in our community!
About Us
History of the Youth Resource Bank
The Santa Cruz County Youth Resource Bank (YRB) was formed through the inspiration of a juvenile court judge, the Honorable Judge Thomas Black, who had long demonstrated a commitment to youth and his community. In 1984, Judge Black was presiding in his courtroom when a minor appeared before him covering his mouth with his hand. Judge Black repeatedly requested the minor to remove his hand when he spoke. When the young man finally moved his hand, he revealed his very crooked teeth and other dental problems and began to cry. Judge Black asked Lynn C. Miller, the Juvenile Director of probation, what might be done to assist the young man. Mr. Miller asked Judge Black what they might do together. They reached out to a local dentist and an orthodontist to donate the needed work, and the Youth Resource Bank was born. MORE »
The Youth Resource Bank founders (including Judge Black and Mr. Miller) quickly realized the difficulties facing similar efforts in neighboring counties, including the lack of sustainability due to dependence on government funding, as well as diversion of resources to overhead and staffing. As a result, YRB was set up as an all-volunteer organization, and in 1989 was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The model has proven extremely successful and the YRB continues to serve thousands of children in need.
Youth Resource Bank also played an important role in the development of the Santa Cruz County tattoo removal program. YRB — working with Dominican Hospital and Dr. Morgan Magid — provided laser tattoo removal, allowing young men and women who have reconsidered their tattoos, often related to gang affiliation, to have them removed in exchange for volunteer service hours or sliding scale payment. Today, Dominican Hospital carries on the tattoo removal program.
Board of Directors
Officers
Cameron Logan, Chairman
JoAnn Allen, Vice Chairman/Secretary
Jim Tracey, 2nd Vice Chairman
Patrice Kraemer, Treasurer
Directors
Barbara Lee
Celeste Gutierrez
Cheryl Dumont
Jamie Murray
Jeff Gaffney
Jim Sullivan
Lori Feldstein
Lynn Miller
Mandy Spitzer
Patty King
Renee Sullivan
Robert Patterson
Salvador Allen
Scott Munro
Stan Einhorn
Tascha Haut
Stories
Just a few stories on how Youth Resource Bank (YRB) has helped local families...
• Six chairs for a dining table belonging to a grandmother on Social Security caring for six children due to their parents’ inability to do so. What she wanted more than anything was for them to all be able to sit together to have dinner on Christmas day.
• Good winter boots, coats, and warm sleeping gear for two teenage boys that grew up in the foster care system are were living in group homes. The boys were able to comfortably go to an Outward Bound type camp. Each boy considered it a life-changing experience.
MORE »
• Beds for a mother and three children who were sleeping on blankets on the floor of their home.
• A tricycle for a three-year-old girl placed with her grandmother after suffering brain trauma due to unexplained head injuries. Her physical therapist advised that the child could benefit from spending regular time using some play equipment, specifically a tricycle.
• Tutoring for two young people that have recently been placed in foster care and because of the unrest in their homes, have fallen behind in critical subjects.
• Clothing for a young man that is trying hard to shed his gang connections and stay away from that life but needs clothing without gang colors.
• A crib for a young, single mom that is reunifying with her six-month-old, who has been in foster care since birth. Mom has successfully completed substance addiction treatment, has obtained employment/financial resources, has obtained housing, has done everything that Family & Children's Services has asked of her, and once she has a crib, she will be ready to start having overnight visits with her baby. The next step will be for the court to order reunification.
And a few thank you notes YRB has received:
• Thank you for helping my family... Your agency was a first for me and I was treated respectfully and mindfully. This was and is one of the most challenging times of my life, and dealing with support agencies isn’t always this way.”
— Parent of family supported with new shoes and clothes for school
• Thank you for the $100 gift contribution for our student here at Gault School. Your gift brightened our student’s day and she is coming to school today glowing. I sincerely appreciate what the Youth Resource Bank does for our communities and the lift it provides for those in need. This is truly a great organization, ‘filling the gap for children in need.’”
— School Counselor, Gault Elementary School
MORE »
• Thank you so much for the kindness you and Youth Resource Bank of Santa Cruz County gave to me and my children. They were so excited when we went to Target to shop.”
— Mother of a 13 year old and a 17 year old
• I am especially thankful for the handiwork of Mr. Miller, he was kind and compassionate when helping me with the challenges I was facing in my life.”
— Recipient of services
Events
We are excited to announce our 2024 annual fundraising event!
Please join us April 27th at Bargetto’s Winery for food, fun, music, live/silent auction, and so much more, in honor of our wonderful community that has provided so much support to the youth of Santa Cruz County.
Purchase your tickets now!
Contact
The YRB accepts referrals only from local agencies and staff. However, YRB gratefully accepts support and donations from a wide spectrum of the community.
Youth Resource Bank
P.O. Box 1844
Capitola, CA 95010
Non-Profit
Tax ID# 77-0197150
Sponsors and Friends
The sponsors listed below provide the majority of our funding. YRB, and of course the children and families that are the recipients of their generosity, are grateful for their continued support.
Again, Youth Resource Bank is operated entirely by a volunteer board with almost no overhead. The money we raise goes directly to those who need it, “a dollar in is a dollar out” to the children in our community is our mission.
Bay Federal
Bay Federal Credit Union is Santa Cruz County’s largest locally-owned financial institution, with over $1.1 billion in assets. Bay Federal provides full service financial products and solutions to Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. As a local, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative, we are passionate about contributing to the community and being an integral part of its incredible story.
Benjamin/Leibrock Law Office
Benjamin/Leibrock provides legal expertise and a deep knowledge of – and connection to – the Santa Cruz community.
Capitola Candy Company
www.instagram.com/capitolacandy
Established in 1988, Capitola Candy Co. offers a large selection of homemade chocolates, Caramel Apples, Cotton Candy as well as over 200 bulk candy options, Nostalgic Candy, and much more.
Community Printers
Community Printers is the largest commercial printer on the Monterey Bay specializing in producing books, newsletters, magazines, packaging and marketing collateral since 1977.
Indigo Beach Properties
A unique real estate company representing buyers and sellers for beach and coastal property in Santa Cruz County for over the past 30 years.
Kiwanis International
Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members and partners dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Each community has different needs, and Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and offering guidance.
Monterey Bay Resources
Monterey Bay Resources is a Santa Cruz based real estate company that provides niche lending solutions for property owners and prospective buyers seeking access to private funds quickly and at competitive rates. They provide financing for both investment property and owner-occupied properties, upon qualification.
NHS (Santa Cruz Skateboards)
NHS was established over 40 years ago in Santa Cruz, California, and is one of the most innovative and respected skateboard companies in the world today. NHS brands include Santa Cruz Skateboards, Independent Truck Company, Creature Skateboards, OJ Wheels, Road Rider Wheels, Krux Trucks, Ricta Wheel Dynamics, Mob Grip, Bullet, Nor Cal Clothing, Slime Balls Wheels and Bronson Speed Co.
Ramsey Lath & Plaster
Ramsey Lath & Plaster was founded in 1982 in Santa Cruz, California as a small residential plastering company. They are now one of the Bay Area’s premier specialty contractors serving both the residential and commercial markets.
Santa Cruz Memorial
Santa Cruz Memorial consists of Santa Cruz Memorial Park, Mission Chapel, Oakwood Memorial Park, Garden of Memories. SC Memorial and their highly experienced staff and groundkeepers have been serving the funeral needs of Santa Cruz County and beyond with sensitivity, respect, and compassion since 1919.
Santa Cruz Seaside Company
The Santa Cruz Seaside Company is one of the oldest and largest employers in Santa Cruz County. In addition to the world-famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk amusement park, SCSC businesses include the Boardwalk's Cocoanut Grove, Boardwalk Bowl, Sea & Sand Inn, and Carousel Beach Inn.
We would also like to thank these very important contributors:
Mateo Family Foundation “in Memory of the Hon.Tom Black” have made a substantial donation to support our work in his memory.
Paul B Meltzer, a private donor.
Our board members, who spend many volunteer hours planning and hosting the annual cabaret and administering our resources.
Donate
Donate now using PayPal or your credit card:
Or, mail your check to us at:
Youth Resource Bank
P.O. Box 1844
Capitola, California 95010
YRB is a 501 c 3 nonprofit.
(Tax ID # 77-0197150)
The children and youth of Santa Cruz County thank you for your donation!
