Collaborative Fund Established to Support Ventura County Families Facing Economic and Humanitarian Challenges
Backed by a broad coalition of local leaders, the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund will provide critical resources to organizations serving children and families impacted by recent events.
CAMARILLO, CA 7/28/25 – Today, the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), in partnership with the County of Ventura, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Ventura County P-20 Council, Weingart Foundation, Ventura County Economic Development Association (VCEDA), Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU), League of Women Voters of Ventura County, Museum of Ventura County, Isabella Project, Social Justice Fund for Ventura County, Montecito Bank & Trust, Premier America Credit Union, County Schools Federal Credit Union, McCune Foundation and many others announced the launch of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund—a united, community-wide effort to support local families and small businesses experiencing sudden hardship and disruption.
Across Ventura County, many families are navigating increasing challenges to daily life, including barriers to work, school attendance and access to basic needs. The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund offers a coordinated and trusted way for residents to step up and support one another. Working with respected community-based organizations, the fund will deliver immediate and essential relief, including food, transportation, housing assistance and other urgent needs.
“The well-being of our residents is at the heart of everything we do at the County of Ventura,” said Dr. Sevet Johnson, Ventura County Executive Officer. “The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund reflects the strength of our community’s partnerships and our shared commitment to ensuring that no one faces crisis alone. By mobilizing trusted local organizations to provide direct relief, this fund helps stabilize families and safeguard the essential services that sustain our communities.”
“As the son of immigrants and now Ventura County’s Superintendent of Schools, I carry with me the stories, sacrifices and dreams of families who came here seeking a better life,” said Dr. César Morales. “The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund is a powerful reminder that we are not powerless. It allows us, as a community, to respond with compassion and practical support in a moment of real need. Together, we can ensure that every child feels safe, every family feels seen and that no one in Ventura County is left behind.”
“Time and again, the Ventura County community has come together in the face of hardship,” said Vanessa Bechtel, president and CEO of VCCF. “Given the scope of the challenges at hand, we’re responding in a way that meets uncertainty with compassion and resolve. Our message is clear: no neighbor stands alone.”
The broad coalition behind the Fund includes business, civic, nonprofit, education and faith-based leaders from across Ventura County. Together, they aim to address both immediate needs and the broader ripple effects impacting families, students and local businesses.
The Fund arrives at a time of significant strain on our community infrastructure. Schools have reported double-digit drops in attendance in some districts, nonprofit partners are experiencing overwhelming demand and sectors like agriculture and service industries are seeing workforce disruptions. In this environment, stability and connection are more important than ever.
“Economic stability depends on the well-being of our workforce and the health of our local businesses,” said Bruce Stenslie, president and CEO of EDC. “This fund offers a coordinated and effective approach to addressing immediate needs, helping minimize disruptions to employment and commerce. At EDC, we recognize the value of this collective effort in maintaining the conditions necessary for long-term economic resilience and community strength.”
“I applaud VCCF for establishing this fund to support our community during these challenging times,” said David Newman, mayor of Thousand Oaks. “City staff anticipates bringing an item for a potential lead gift contribution for city council consideration in late August. We encourage corporations, institutions and individuals to consider making contributions.”
The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund is committed to transparency and accountability. A special VCCF committee, comprised of respected community leaders, will guide the distribution of funds to ensure maximum impact.
One hundred percent of every contribution to the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund will directly support:
- Food, transportation and essential supplies for families in need
- Emergency shelter and rental assistance
- Critical services provided by schools, neighborhood centers, business and economic development centers and community-based organizations
- Additional essential needs as they emerge
“This is the beginning of a long arc—not just a response, but a commitment,” said Pedro Chavez, mayor of Santa Paula, “one built by neighbors who refuse to let any family feel unseen or unsupported. We can choose to lead with love and rise with purpose.”
To learn more or make a contribution, please visit vccf.org/neighbors.
About the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF)
Since its founding in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation has believed that everyone has something of value to contribute. With more than 23,000 donors from every corner of our community and across the nation, we specialize in connecting people, resources and solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world. VCCF’s Philanthropic Consulting Office helps individuals, families and businesses on their philanthropic journey. As part of a network of more than 900 community foundations nationwide, VCCF is also committed to being a community leader in our region. Together, we work to create a better future for all by pursuing our community’s greatest opportunities and addressing the most critical challenges, inclusively uniting people, institutions and resources from throughout our communities and providing significant, widely shared and lasting results. Learn more at VCCF.org.
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