Organizational Structure
Santa Barbara County VOAD is governed by an Executive Committee that coordinates the collaborative efforts of member organizations across the county. The committee ensures that resources, training opportunities, and disaster-response strategies are shared effectively among all participants.
Members meet quarterly to network, exchange information about available resources and current needs, and learn from experts in disaster preparedness. These gatherings strengthen the collective capacity to respond when emergencies arise.
In 2016, the Executive Committee Chair was Kathleen Riel, Program Manager at Independent Living Resource Center.
Member Benefits
Membership in Santa Barbara County VOAD connects your organization to a trusted network of disaster-response partners. Benefits include:
- Shared Resources: Access to pooled equipment, facilities, and logistical support during disaster operations.
- Training Opportunities: Participation in workshops, exercises, and committee-led sessions on business resiliency and continuity planning.
- Information Exchange: Quarterly meetings where members share situational updates, resource availability, and emerging community needs.
- Continuity Planning Support: Guidance on Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) to help your organization remain operational during disruptions.
- Emergency Volunteer Center Access: Coordination through the EVC framework, including operational guidance and volunteer survey tools.
Member Survey
Member survey data helps guide the organizational priorities of Santa Barbara County VOAD. By gathering input from participating organizations, the Executive Committee can align training topics, resource investments, and meeting agendas with the most pressing needs identified by the membership.
Survey results inform decisions about which areas of disaster preparedness and response receive focused attention, ensuring the coalition remains responsive to the evolving landscape of community risk.
Member List
Santa Barbara County VOAD brings together a diverse coalition of nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, government agencies, and private-sector partners. The member roster spans organizations active in emergency feeding, sheltering, medical care, mental health services, animal welfare, and long-term recovery.
For the most current member directory or to inquire about joining, please reach out through the Contact page.
Key Leadership Roles
| Role | Area of Focus |
|---|---|
| Executive Committee | Strategic direction, coordination, and governance of the VOAD coalition |
| Training Committee | Capacity building, business resiliency, and risk-management education |
| Emergency Volunteer Center | Volunteer coordination, EVC operational guidance, and survey management |
| Access & Functional Needs | Ensuring disaster preparedness and response are accessible to all community members |
Santa Barbara County VOAD brings together a wide network of local nonprofit and community organizations dedicated to coordinated disaster response. By fostering communication and collaboration before emergencies strike, this coalition ensures that resources, expertise, and volunteers are deployed efficiently when disasters occur. The group operates on the principle that no single organization can handle a major disaster alone, and that collective action saves lives and reduces suffering. Through regular meetings and shared planning efforts, member agencies build trust and mutual understanding, allowing them to function as a seamless team during crises. This cooperative framework strengthens the entire county's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from natural and human-caused emergencies.
The organizational structure of Santa Barbara County VOAD centers on an Executive Committee that guides strategic direction and coordinates activities among member organizations. This committee oversees resource sharing, training initiatives, and the development of unified disaster-response procedures. Representatives from various agencies volunteer their time and expertise to ensure that the coalition remains effective and responsive to community needs. Quarterly meetings provide a forum for members to network, exchange updates on available resources, and discuss current challenges. These gatherings also feature presentations from experts in emergency management, helping all participants stay informed about best practices in disaster preparedness and response.
Membership in Santa Barbara County VOAD is open to nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and community agencies that are actively involved in disaster relief and recovery. Member organizations bring diverse capabilities to the table, ranging from shelter operations and food distribution to mental health support and long-term rebuilding assistance. This diversity ensures that the coalition can address the full spectrum of needs that arise during emergencies. By joining together, these organizations amplify their individual strengths and avoid duplication of efforts. The collaborative environment also encourages innovation, as members share lessons learned from past disasters and explore new approaches to serving vulnerable populations throughout the county.
Training and preparedness are central to the mission of Santa Barbara County VOAD. The coalition regularly offers workshops, drills, and educational sessions designed to enhance the readiness of both member organizations and the broader community. Topics covered include emergency planning, business continuity, volunteer management, and functional needs support for individuals with access or functional requirements during disasters. These training opportunities help build a culture of preparedness throughout Santa Barbara County. By investing in education and skill development, VOAD ensures that responders are well-equipped to handle the complexities of modern disasters. Community members are encouraged to participate in preparedness activities and to develop their own family emergency plans.
Building community resilience is the ultimate goal of Santa Barbara County VOAD's efforts. When disasters strike, the coordinated response of member organizations helps communities recover more quickly and fully. Beyond immediate disaster response, VOAD supports long-term recovery initiatives that address ongoing needs such as housing, financial assistance, and emotional support. The coalition also promotes mitigation strategies that reduce future disaster risks, encouraging investments in stronger infrastructure and community preparedness. Through public outreach and education, VOAD fosters a countywide commitment to resilience. By working together before, during, and after emergencies, Santa Barbara County VOAD helps create a safer, more prepared community for all residents.
Disaster Cost Reimbursement
Member organizations may be eligible for disaster cost reimbursement when they provide services during declared emergencies. Santa Barbara County VOAD facilitates awareness of reimbursement pathways and connects members with the appropriate channels for submitting claims related to disaster-response expenditures.