VCCF Power of Purpose – Fall 2025

Chère famille de la Ventura County Community Foundation,

This morning, as we approach the one-year mark of the Mountain Fire, I find myself reflecting on the many families working hard to rebuild their lives. It is such a challenging journey after a disaster, and I hope you will please join me in holding them close in your hearts. Because of you, at our most recent Board meeting, our Board was able to approve another round of direct financial assistance to help those most struggling under the financial weight of it all, helping families secure stable housing as they work to rebuild their lives.

A heartfelt thank you to 211 Ventura County et Ventura County VOAD for their unwavering partnership and care.

At the same time, we are working tirelessly to respond to the dramatic rise in food insecurity this month as SNAP benefits are delayed. Please consider supporting Food Share du comté de Ventura directly as they do everything possible to meet this urgent need. It all adds up when we act together, even as the numbers locally are staggering. Right now, 77,000 of our neighbors, including 28,000 children, are without this vital assistance. We encourage you to watch our interview below with Monica White, Food Share President & CEO, about the urgency of this situation. Together, we can help ensure that in Ventura County, no family ever goes to bed hungry.

So much of our work at your community foundation asks us to look directly at hardship. Yet in doing so, we are constantly reminded of the extraordinary goodness that surrounds us. In moments like these, I see us as part of the long arc toward justice, building on the incredible efforts of past generations of Ventura County residents who founded the many nonprofits now on the frontlines, doing all they can to serve our neighbors. Each act of generosity bends that arc a little closer toward compassion, equity, and hope.

As George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “True joy is being used for a purpose deemed by yourself to be a mighty one.” This month’s newsletter is full of moments that remind us of that joy.

I hope you will take a moment to watch the first-ever Isabella Project video, featuring our community’s young children dancing under the direction of Jade Barth, director and choreographer. When I first met Jade, then completing her studies at California State University, Channel Islands, she spoke about her desire to give back. When she learned about our shared mission to ensure every child in our community has access to the highest-quality early childhood education, she immediately volunteered to bring that vision to life through dance. The result is absolutely fabulous!

Adding even more beauty, Luzmaria Espinosa, Ventura County Poet Laureate Emeritus, wrote a stunning companion poem for this video entitled “Isabella: Our Future.” Her words remind us that children spring forth with love and carry the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

And we could not have brought this project to life without James Lantiegne, cinematographer and founder of White Rabbit Productions. His artistry and dedication are gifts we will always treasure.

As you watch this video, I hope you feel the heartbeat of our community. We see you! Those exhibiting the courage to rebuild, the compassion to serve, and the creativity to dream. Ventura County is a generous community, and together, we are part of something bigger: the long arc toward justice, carried forward by love.

Avec gratitude et espoir,

Vanessa

Vanessa Bechtel, présidente-directrice générale de la VCCF

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Thank You to Our Donors!

We are so grateful to each and every one of you who has contributed to the Fonds de soutien aux voisins du comté de Ventura, a vital humanitarian fund in our community. Thanks to you, through donations of all sizes, over $454,000 in total has been donated or committed to the Fund to date. This means lending a hand to your neighbors with rent, groceries, transportation, school services, and so much more. Learn more about what’s happening in your community to help everyone feel safe, seen, and supported by reading below.

Upcoming Virtual Convening

We invite you to join us for a special Virtual Lunch & Learn on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 12 p.m. to discuss the work happening in your community by trusted local nonprofits to address the challenges our neighbors are facing. Learn more about the impact that your support is making in Ventura County! Please register for this free call using the link below.

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Grants Awarded to Date

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The Need in Our Community, with Food Share of Ventura County

In the wake of recent food insecurity in our community, VCCF Interim Vice President Mike Soules visited Food Share of Ventura County to speak with their President and CEO Monica White to hear about their work and how you can help. Learn more about how this incredible nonprofit is addressing growing local need and watch the exciting grant awarding from the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund.

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Isabella Project’s First-Ever Video

“Isabella: Our Future”

At the last Projet Isabella steering committee meeting, we were proud to unveil the first-ever Isabella Project video! The making of this video was truly a community collaboration, which included over 50 children, parents, educators, students, community leaders, partners, and creatives coming together to produce this video. Ten scenes were filmed throughout Ventura County, in Santa Paula, Oxnard, Somis, and Camarillo. Every single hand that helped shape this video is part of the story it tells.

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Introducing the Isabella Project Website!

We are proud to announce the launch of the Isabella Project website! Convened by VCCF, the Isabella Project is a communitywide effort helping the children of Santa Paula reach their full potential through the highest-quality early childhood care and education. This pilot project aims to be replicated throughout Ventura County.

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Giving Strategies for 2025 and Beyond: Virtual Session!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Giving Strategies for 2025 & Beyond | Part I with Thomas Fisher at Montecito Bank & Trust. The event was so well received that we’re happy to share that a virtual session will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. Join fellow professional advisors, nonprofit partners, and philanthropists for a forward-looking conversation on the philanthropic landscape, including key giving trends, tax-efficient strategies, and how to navigate a shifting economic and regulatory environment.

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VCCF’s Scholarship Season Now Open!

Applications for VCCF’s 2025/2026 Scholarship Season are officially live! We have over 400 opportunities with over $2 million allocated for awards. Let the students in your life know, or submit your own application! Awards are open to all students in our community looking to continue their education.

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Coalition for Family Harmony