Our FY24–25 Impact Report is a heartfelt reflection of what you made possible this year. Because of your generosity, Storyteller welcomed more infants and toddlers than ever before, expanded classrooms, strengthened trauma-informed practices, and ensured that every single family received financial assistance and wraparound support. Your partnership provided more than 39,000 nutritious meals, 3,100+ hours of onsite services, and a safe, loving place for 148 children to learn, grow, and thrive. Inside this report, you’ll see the direct outcomes of your giving—children entering kindergarten confident and ready, families finding hope and stability, and new classrooms opening to meet the urgent needs of our community. You’ll also see the reality of our 130-child waitlist and why your continued support is essential to opening doors for even more children. This report is more than numbers. It’s a collection of stories, milestones, and moments of healing that happened because you believed in us. Thank you for fueling our mission and investing in brighter futures—one child, one family, one story at a time.
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A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/BOARD
ABOUT US
At Storyteller, we believe every child deserves a happy beginning. Our learning centers are havens where young minds and their families are empowered to rewrite their stories, breaking the cycle of poverty and paving the way for brighter futures. Through our dedicated support and nurturing environments, we provide a continuum of care - from six weeks to five years of age - that prepares our children for success as they enter kindergarten, the most critical metric in their scholastic journey.
Dear Friends, This year at Storyteller has been one of incredible growth—growth in our classrooms, in the resilience of our families, and in the confidence of the children we serve each day. We welcomed more infants and toddlers than ever before and expanded our reach to meet the growing needs of our community. New classrooms opened their doors, our teachers deepened their trauma-informed practices, and our families found strength through new parent workshops focused on wellness, financial stability, and resilience. Every child received tuition assistance. Every family received wraparound support designed to help them move forward with hope. At Storyteller, we know that the first five years of life is when curiosity blooms, confidence takes root, and the foundation for lifelong success is built. We are not just preparing children for kindergarten—we’re shaping futures, strengthening families, and transforming the trajectory of an entire community. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering belief in this mission. Our communities support fuels our momentum, sustains our programs, and reminds every child who walks through our doors that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Board of Directors
Erinn Lynch, Co-Chair Dr. Peggy Dodds, Co-Chair Michael Wasserman, Vice Chair Craig Zimmerman, Treasurer Rachael Stein, Secretary Gretchen Horn, Governance Chair Jon Clark Sharon Kayser Dr. Anna Kokotovic Diana P. Lytel Dr. Patricia Madrigal Danna McGrew Ann Pieramici
OUR MISSION OUR VISION
Storyteller is a year-round therapeutic program providing high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive support services for children and their families facing adverse challenges in Santa Barbara County.
To empower every child and family we serve with the tools, education, and support needed to overcome adversity, thrive in our community, and build a brighter future.
Ken Radtkey Kyra Rogers Kenny Slaught, Founder Executive Team Dr. Gabriella Garcia
3
meals provided per day
3
campuses across Santa Barbara
Executive Director Tess Ortega, MBA Development Director Dr. Jacqueline McDonough Director of Data & Evaluations Adriana Serdio HR Manager
1988 Founded in
With appreciation,
6 weeks to 5 years Serving children ages
Year-round, full-day programming
Gabriella Garcia Executive Director
each year 230
days of care
OUR STORY BY THE NUMBERS
SPONSOR A CHILD
When you Sponsor a Child, you’re not just covering tuition—you’re investing in: A safe, nurturing classroom where children build trust and confidence A foundation for learning that prepares them for kindergarten and beyond
30% 100%
At Storyteller, we believe that every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive – regardless of their family circumstances. Yet here in Santa Barbara, the need for quality early childhood education far exceeds the available spaces. Today, 130 children are on our waiting list —families eager for the stability, care, and opportunity that Storyteller provides. We have the classrooms. We have the teachers. We have the passion and the programs. What we need is your partnership. With additional funding, we could immediately open our doors to 30 more children to receive the education and care they deserve.Each year, it costs $27,000 to provide a child with full-time, year-round early education— including nutritious meals, mental health support, family services, and individualized learning in a trauma-informed environment.
increase in children served this year
of families received financial assistance
148
children enrolled across all sites
90%
Family support and stability that helps parents focus on their goals The future of our community , one child at a time
of preschoolers demonstrate readiness in self-regulation skills for kindergarten transition
86%
100%
of Storyteller families earn less than $30,000 annually
Your generosity transforms lives—helping children reach milestones, helping parents find hope, and helping families build brighter futures. Together, we can make sure that no child has to wait for the chance to learn, grow, and belong.
preschoolers demonstrate readiness in gross motor physical development to transition to kindergarten
296
student assessments were conducted to measure need and efficacy of support
Together, we can make sure that no child has to wait for the chance to
45
92%
Storyteller families are experiencing homelessness
preschoolers demonstrate readiness in language and literacy to transition to kindergarten
35
learn, grow, and belong.
Ready to Sponsor a child? Ready to change a life?
students receive specialized support for a disability
Email Tess at tess@wearestoryteller.org
OUR FOOD PROGRAM
YEAR AT A GLANCE
Transition House was the first place where my baby felt safe, and where I finally felt hope again. -Storyteller Parent “ Transition House is more than one of our campuses — it is where Storyteller began. What started as a small, roped-off play area has now come full circle. In 2023, we returned to our roots, opening two new infant classrooms to support the growing needs of today’s families.
Nourishing Bodies, Fueling Futures
meals served 39,539
hours of programming per child are offered 3,526
At Storyteller, food is more than a meal, it is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of our mission. Every child enrolled at Storyteller receives three nutritious meals a day, five days a week, ensuring that hunger never stands in the way of growth or learning.
Chronic hunger is physically painful and makes it impossible for children to focus, learn, grow, and meet critical developmental milestones. A child cannot regulate emotions or absorb new information on an empty stomach. That’s why nourishment is the first lesson of every Storyteller day. For many of our families, the struggle is constant. No family should ever have to choose between paying rent or buying groceries. Yet, this is the heartbreaking reality for many families we serve. Our classrooms are filled with laughter, learning, and love, and that begins with a warm meal everyday. Because when children are fed, they are free to dream, to play, and to thrive. As federal funding for early childhood and food programs continues to decline, community support is essential. With your help, we can continue to ensure that no child at Storyteller, and no child in Santa Barbara ever goes hungry. 100% 90% 62% Storyteller families face food insecurity Receive WIC Women, Infants, and Children supplemental food program Receive SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
onsite service hours 3,146 (family services, speech, disability, occupational and behavioral therapy)
family members supported 484
The need is real.
Infant care is the most resource-intensive early education to provide, requiring low ratios, trained teachers, and specialized materials like diapers, formula, and nutrient-dense baby food. At the same time, reductions in state and federal funding make sustaining this essential site
hours of outdoor play per day 5
Your Gift Makes an Immediate Impact
new playgrounds opened 2
increasingly challenging.
$50 $150 $500
feeds a child for one week
provides an a full day of meals for an entire classroom stocks our kitchens with health snacks for a month
SAVE THE DATE!
WHAT CAN MY DOLLARS DO
Every gift matters. Every dollar supports a child and their family.
Amount
Impact
$50
Provides classroom learning supplies for one child for one week.
$100 $250 $500
Funds one full day of care for one child.
Covers diapers, wipes, formula, and essentials for one infant for one month.
Supports monthly parent education and family support services.
$1,000 $1,500 $2,250 $5,000
Funds blankets and cots for naptime at all three campuses.
Provides one full year of nutritious meals for one child.
Provides one month of tuition for one student.
Covers one year of one classroom’s program supplies expenses including furniture, sensory tools, and therapeutic play materials. Provides essential professional development and training to all Storyteller teachers ensuring consistent quality care.
$10,000
$13,500 $27,000 $35,000 $50,000 $100,000 $175,000 $200,000 $500,000
Provides 6 months of tuition for one student.
Provides one year of tuition for one student.
STORYTELLER
Covers all classroom’s program supplies expenses including furniture, sensory tools, and therapeutic play materials (7 classrooms total).
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026 ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR BEACH ANNUAL GALA Scan here to attend or learn more!
Funds diapers, wipes, formula, and essentials for 16 infants for one year.
Funds essential facilities upkeep and renovations to our campuses to ensure they remain safe, secure, and havens for learning and support.
Covers the cost of breakfast, lunch, and a snack for 150 students annually.
Covers the cost of behavior health services for 150 students and 30 staff members annually.
Covers all direct service program expenses for 150 students for one year (classroom supplies, food program, behavioral health program, and family support services).
Make your year-end gift today.
Your generosity gives children a strong start and families the support they deserve.
Thank you for giving my child a chance to grow. Thank you for giving me hope I didn’t know I needed. -Storyteller Parent “
Get Involved or Learn More! 805.730.0155 tess@wearestoryteller.org
www.wearestoryteller.org 2115 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Storyteller Children’s Center is a 501(c)(3) organization under tax identification number 77-0283072
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