Steve Lyons’ creative approach to philanthropy began after his move to Santa Barbara in 1980. But his charitable passion started when he worked as a public-school math teacher in a low income neighborhood in Los Angeles.
“My areas of concern are children, any kind of mistreatment to children, whether that is physical abuse, sexual abuse, bullying, mistreatment in foster care,” said Lyons. “I believe in civil rights. I believe that everyone should be treated equally, fairly, and with respect.”
His passion for children’s well-being stems from witnessing abuse and bullying among his childhood classmates and from friends, employees, and relatives who confided in him about their own experiences.
As a teacher, Lyons began to build his charitable vision. He notes how often children are neglected in the state’s care. “We have to pick up the slack and push government to do more.”
Recognizing the need for the philanthropic community to help foster youth, he stepped into active roles at nonprofits and research organizations to better understand the issue. This experience laid the foundation for his current philanthropic efforts.
His introduction to the nonprofit sector started with CALM (Child Abuse Listening and Mediation), where he served on the board for six years, and learned more about child abuse and ways the philanthropic community can address it.
His latest charitable initiatives — driven by his nonprofit experience and real estate background — highlight his dedication to addressing issues that impact children, particularly those faced by transitional age youth (TAY), young adults who are “aging out” of the foster care system.
Lyons learned about the needs of TAY through a family member who volunteered as a mentor at Casa Pacifica Centers for Children and Families. There he connected with youth struggling to balance their financial challenges and higher-education goals. Many individuals aging out of foster care face high rates of homelessness, along with increased risk of mental health issues, physical or sexual violence, entering the justice system, and limited access to health care services.
Lyons emphasized that, beyond addressing issues within children’s foster care experience, TAY need ongoing support to become self-sufficient as they move further into adulthood and independence.
In pursuit of this goal, Lyons proposed that he use his donor advised funds at the Santa Barbara Foundation to purchase a property on West De La Guerra Street in Santa Barbara to provide housing and services for TAY ages 18 to 21. SBF worked with Lyons and his team to develop a plan to purchase the ten-bedroom home for this purpose.
“My Home at The Lyons House” will offer counseling, internships, mentorships, and more, enabling residents to develop the skills and confidence necessary to navigate life beyond foster care.
By partnering with Channel Islands YMCA (CIYMCA), who will operate the program under their Youth and Family Services Division, Lyons aims to facilitate a smooth transition into independent adulthood for these young individuals.
“I hope to visit at least once a month and have friends that want to go once a month, if not weekly, to help and be mentors,” Lyons noted. “We just want to do everything we can to help them have a healthy life.”
Most residents will come from Santa Barbara County though the County Department of Social Services and referrals from other local organizations such as Santa Barbara City College, Court Appointed Special Advocates, the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and CIYMCA.
Reflecting on his decision to enlist expertise from the SBF, as a long-term philanthropic partner, to facilitate this project and help him achieve his charitable goals, Lyons said, “I trust the Santa Barbara Foundation. I trust the leadership. That is where I hold my philanthropic funds.”
Jackie Carrera, SBF’s President and CEO, shared, “The Foundation is thrilled to support the meaningful and enterprising vision of our long-term donor Steve Lyons, especially as his work aligns intimately with our strategic priorities.”
“Steve’s generous and innovative approach expands the horizons for the use of donor directed funds to create greater impact,” she added.
Lyons’ philanthropic career underscores his commitment to being an active donor. This project seeks to serve TAY over the long term, exposing them to diverse lifestyles, experiences, and resources that encourage them to dream beyond what they may have experienced in foster care.
“Children, foster children, can be stuck, and sometimes have limited choices, they need our help, they need our care,” Lyons explained.
“My overall philosophy when I think about donating is that if you are fortunate, give some of it away, enjoy giving to others. Share what you are fortunate enough to have and make other people’s lives better.”
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