August 2023

To read this newsletter in Spanish, please click here.

Dear Emmanuel,



This summer has felt hotter - and more humid - than ever. We hope you are staying safe and cool. Speaking of cool, scroll down and learn more about cooling centers across the county where you and your loved ones can beat the heat. You'll also find an important update on our LIHWAP and HEAP programs, learn more about our recent outreach visits, and get a look at what our staff are up to. Happy summer! Please stay hydrated and safe!

This summer has already felt like one of the warmest ones we've had in Ventura County. We hope you and your families are doing everything you can to stay cool and safe amid what has been brutal heat and rising humidity.

The County of Ventura is encouraging residents to visit any one of the Ventura County Library branches as safe and accessible cooling centers. From Ojai to Oak Park, Ventura County Library branches are open everyday. Click the button below for hours and locations.

Did you know that there's a fantastic program that can help you manage your residential water utility costs? If you have received Cal-Fresh, CalWorks, or a HEAP benefit in the last 365 days, you might be eligible for assistance with your water bill through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).

LIHWAP is a federal program established by Congress in December 2020, specifically designed to provide financial aid to low-income Californians for their residential water expenses. Over 1,000 households have received over $1 million in water bill assistance since 2020.

If you or anyone you know might benefit from the LIHWAP program, don't hesitate to encourage them to reach out to us at 805-436-4000.

Our HEAP - Home Energy Assistance Program - is unlike any other in Ventura County. We're very proud of our legacy of helping Ventura County families with bill payments for over 60 years.

To be eligible for HEAP, families must be eligible under guidelines stipulated by the federal government. Those requirements have recently changed and we are sharing them with you below. They list the maximum amount of bill support a family can receive based on the number of individuals living in that home.

For more information on HEAP and to learn whether you are eligible for this and our other programs, call us at 805-436-4000.

Last month, our executive director Susy appeared on the Raíz Informativa podcast to share with listeners information about our mission and our programs.

The Raíz Informativa podcast is a great and important program that is part of the Farmworkers Resource Center, and they record in Spaniz, Mixteco, Zapotec, and Purepecha languages. These are just a handful of the non-Spanish native dialects spoken in Ventura County and communities that have difficulties accessing resources they need.

Thank you to Israel, Flavio, and Esperanza for having us! We are grateful for your important work with our local farmworkers.

Last month, our Executive Director Susy and our Manager of Community Services Claudia Lozano presented to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Susy and Claudia shared our mission and updates on our work caring for families and communities throughout Ventura County.

We appreciated the opportunity to share with the Board how we are continuing to care for our neighbors in meaningful and accessible ways. You can view the presentation in its entirety by clicking on the button below.

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Russell Wilson as the Community Services Assistant Manager here at CAVC. Russell has been served the past 3 years as our Food Program Coordinator and has been integral to its continued growth and success.

In his new position as Community Services Assistant Manager, Russell will closely collaborate with our Community Services Manager to continue overseeing and coordinating our Food Program and Homeless Services initiatives. His passion for serving the community and innovative ideas will make CAVC stronger and change even more lives in Ventura County. Congraulations, Russell!

This month's Donor Spotlight introduces you to Anson Mar, a longtime supporter of CAVC and our newest Chair of the Board of Directors. With Anson assuming Board chairmanship this month, we caught up with him to learn more about why he supports CAVC, with light edits for clarity.

CAVC: How did you first hear about CAVC?

AM: Through my employer, Ventura County Credit Union.

CAVC: What inspired you to give to CAVC?

AM: Besides the mission statement and its “establishing pathways out of generational poverty through advocacy, partnership and services," the passion and dedication from CAVC staff in assisting Ventura County communities.

CAVC: In your opinion, what is the most important work that CAVC does?

AM: The current CAVC leadership and staff have developed a positive environment that encourages collaboration with county, municipal, and other local public benefit nonprofit organizations. This is resulting in greater outreach and providing services to vulnerable people in need in all areas of the county.

CAVC: How would you describe CAVC to others?

AM: CAVC is the last stop for assistance before people in need fall off the radar.

In honor of International Cat Day on August 8th, meet some of the purrfect cats of CAVC! Here are Cece and Smokey who belong to our own Dominique Holcomb and Claudia Gonzalez.

Our Vision:

We envision a community successfully lifting people out of poverty.

Our Mission:

Helping our community establish pathways out of poverty through advocacy, partnerships and services that promote dignity

and self- sufficiency.