As 2026 begins, many nonprofit organizations face uncertainty. Yet the Central Coast Tri-County Community Health Workers/Promotores Collaborative (known simply as “the Collaborative”) stands out as a steadfast force — moving forward with confidence and focus as it brings people together to improve health and well-being across the region.
The Collaborative is a growing network of more than 20 local organizations working together to support Community Health Workers and Promotores — trusted community members who help families navigate health care, find resources, and stay well. The group was formed in 2023 through a partnership between the Santa Barbara Foundation, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, and community-based organizations. Their shared goal: make sure the people who already help neighbors every day have the tools, training, and support they need to succeed.
The effort gained momentum when California expanded Medi-Cal to include Community Health Workers and Promotores as part of covered health services. This decision recognized what communities have long known — that these trusted guides play a vital role in keeping people healthy and connected to care. It also allowed health plans like CenCal Health to work more closely with local organizations that understand their communities best.
What’s a Community Health Worker/Promotor (“CHW/P”)?
CHW/Ps are trusted leaders who live and work in the neighborhoods they serve. They help people understand health information, connect to medical care and social services, and overcome everyday barriers like language, transportation, and fear of the system. Because they are known and trusted, they help families take action to protect their health and build stronger, healthier communities.
Three years since its inception, the Collaborative has grown into a strong regional partnership. While the Santa Barbara Foundation provides administrative coordination, the direction of the work is shaped by community organizations and CHW/Ps themselves.
Thanks to a nomination from CenCal Health, the Collaborative was one of two groups recognized nationally by the Association for Community Affiliated Health Plans (ACAP) in 2025. The honorable mention highlighted three key members of the Collaborative: Family Service Agency, Children and Family Resource Services, and the Center for Family Strengthening.
CenCal Health’s CEO Marina Owen highlighted the significance of the award, stating that “ACAP’s recognition of the Central Coast Tri-County Community Health Workers/Promotores Capacity Building Collaborative attests to the vital services of community health workers, including health education, navigation assistance with Medi-Cal applications, screenings, assessments, and personalized support.”
Looking ahead, the group remains committed to supporting one another and generating innovative, community-centered solutions for greater health equity throughout the region.
What is Health Equity?
Health equity means ensuring everyone has a fair chance at good health by providing the resources and community supports people need to thrive. Across the Central Coast, barriers like limited transportation, language access, and access to preventive care make staying healthy harder for many residents. Strengthening connections to care and investing in community-based organizations helps ensure everyone can live a healthy, connected life.
Family Service Agency (FSA) has demonstrated adaptability in the face of recent challenges. The group has a track record of collaborating with partner agencies when the community is facing upheaval, crisis, or change.
Even while navigating resource changes and reductions to Family Service Agency’s budget, the organization launched a Medi-Cal Community Care Hub in August of 2025.
“One of our most pressing needs is to help as many people as we can retain their health insurance coverage,” explained Lisa Brabo, FSA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We’ve been working with CenCal Health, Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, and other community-based organizations to find ways to help people meet the new Medi-Caid volunteer/work requirements.”
Community hubs like Family Service Agency’s model help strengthen small local nonprofits by supporting with the behind-the-scenes work needed to deliver services, allowing more people enrolled in CenCal Health to receive guidance from CHW/Ps who understand their communities and cultures. As a result, community organizations can offer care that is trusted, local, and sustainable.
As national health policies change, conversations about how to protect access to care continue. The Santa Barbara Foundation remains committed to working with community partners to ensure that older adults, people with disabilities, and families across the region can stay connected to the services they need.
The Santa Barbara Foundation is proud to partner with the members of the Central Coast Tri-County Community Health Workers/Promotores Collaborative. Together, this group shows what is possible when community leaders work side-by -side to strengthen health and well-being across our counties.
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