Our History

1975: Soroptimist International of Santa Barbara established Safety Town as its signature community service project, modeling our local program after one that was established in Akron, Ohio. Safety Town began as a fee-based program, offering six, week-long sessions at one site and accommodating 360 children.

2007: The program doubled in size when camper scholarships were made available and sessions were offered at various sites throughout the community to improve accessibility.

2017: The Soroptimist chapter ended its operations and Safety Town of Santa Barbara County continued its 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a volunteer board of directors.

Safety Town works closely with the local school districts to offer our longstanding summer program. Over the years, we have developed collaborative partnerships with nonprofits and businesses that assist us with our operations (National Charity League, MarBorg Industries, Optimist Club, Easy Lift Transportation) and facilitate attendance for some of our local, underserved populations (Isla Vista Youth Projects, St. Vincent’s, Storytellers Children's Center).