What Healing Looks Like

Photo: Local practitioners in public health, addiction & recovery, and community services at a listening session in September 2025.

New grants top $1.6 Million investment in promising local solutions to ongoing public health threat.

Local organizations across Santa Cruz County are expanding prevention, treatment, and recovery services in response to the opioid crisis—reaching people earlier and more effectively thanks to a new round of community‑based funding. In partnership with the County’s Health Services Agency’s Behavioral Health Division, we’re proud to announce that a second round of funding of $810,000 was distributed to eight community partners providing prevention, early intervention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery services related to opioid use disorder.

A Sustained Funding Source & Collaborative, Adaptive Approach

Opioid Settlement Funds are the result of litigation brought against opioid manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, and pharmacies for their role in the opioid epidemic. These funds are intended to support opioid remediation activities—defined by the state as care, treatment, and other programs designed to address misuse and abuse of opioids, treat or mitigate opioid use disorder, or lessen the broader harms associated with the epidemic, including impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Santa Cruz County is expected to receive approximately $29 million over 16 years, enabling both immediate response and long-term planning.

Community Leadership & Shared Responsibility

The Opioid Settlement Funds Community Grant Program reflects a shared belief: that healing happens through coordinated, community-driven efforts. By investing in prevention, treatment, housing stability, employment pathways, and family-centered care, Santa Cruz County is building a more resilient response—one that meets people where they are and supports long-term recovery.

“We’re honored to partner with the County Health Services Agency. These grants are helping organizations find innovative and compassionate solutions through prevention and treatment to tackle the opioid epidemic in our community,” said Susan True, CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. “This second round of investment will continue to fund existing projects and open the door for new initiatives to prevent, treat, and reduce the harm of opioids locally.”

Expanded Life Chances, Across Ages & Places

Employment as a Health Intervention

Homeless Garden Project (HGP) focuses on job training and transitional employment opportunities for unhoused individuals in Santa Cruz County. Through first-round Opioid Settlement funding, HGP launched an employment training program specifically designed for people in recovery from opioid addiction. The initial four-week program combined résumé workshops, hands-on farm work, and opportunities to connect with local employers.

With approval for a second round of funding, HGP will expand this initiative into a 12-week program, deepening both skill-building and community connection. Participants gain more than job readiness, they experience stability, belonging, and the confidence that comes from contributing meaningfully alongside peers in recovery.

"Employment is more than a paycheck — it’s a powerful health intervention," said Darrie Ganzhorn, Executive Director of Homeless Garden Project. "Meaningful work builds stability, confidence, and connection, all of which are essential foundations for sustained recovery." Program participant Eddy remarked, “This program restored my sense of purpose on this planet. Now it’s part of my and my family’s story. It’s the best thing that could have happened to me.”

Expanding Treatment Access in South County

New Life Community Services (NLCS) provides substance use disorder treatment and reentry services to individuals and families throughout Santa Cruz County. As a new grantee in 2026, NLCS is preparing to open New Life Watsonville, a 14-bed, co-ed residential addiction treatment facility offering bilingual, bicultural services in South County.

This expansion responds to a critical gap in residential treatment options, particularly for Spanish-speaking families. One client shared that after nearly a decade of attempting recovery through multiple programs, they made more progress in four months at NLCS than ever before—crediting the supportive staff, peer community, and family-centered environment.

"With support from the Opioid Settlement Grant, New Life Community Services will build a new facility to expand access to lifesaving care," said Stacey Palau, Executive Director of NLCS. "New Life Watsonville will offer bilingual, bicultural residential treatment and reentry services for individuals and families."

Stability for Mothers and Children

Siena House provides housing, stability, and compassionate support for expectant mothers experiencing homelessness and addiction. First-round funding enabled Siena House to bring licensed psychotherapists and occupational therapists into its residential program, strengthening trauma-informed care for mothers and infants.

With continued funding, Siena House will sustain these services while expanding consistent case management. Clients report profound impacts—from improved emotional regulation to renewed confidence in transitioning back to independent living—demonstrating how therapeutic support can change life trajectories for entire families.

Caring for the Youngest Patients

Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH) has long been a leader in providing comprehensive, inclusive healthcare regardless of language, identity, or ability to pay. SCCH has particular expertise in caring for newborns affected by Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and families navigating substance use disorder during pregnancy.

Second-round funding will support the Eat-Sleep-Console model for newborn care and help establish a multi-agency collaborative network to ensure seamless transitions from hospital to home for high-risk families.

"This award will significantly enhance our ability to care for babies affected by neonatal abstinence syndrome," said Nadia Allami, Pediatric Medical Director at SCCH. "It strengthens collaboration with our local hospitals and outpatient partners to ensure consistent, evidence-based care for these families."

Grants Signal Where Community Will Benefit

The following organizations were selected for funding based on demonstrated impact, alignment with county priorities, and their ability to serve populations most affected by opioid-related harm:

Accessing Help and Resources

If you or someone you know needs support related to substance use disorder, visit the Santa Cruz County Opioid Prevention and Response webpage or call 2-1-1, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for confidential assistance and referrals.

Together, through partnership, compassion, and sustained investment, Santa Cruz County continues the work of addressing opioid-related harm while strengthening pathways to recovery for individuals, families, and the broader community.