Lompoc Woman Stepping Out of Poverty

On Monday, Sept. 22, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., the Family Service Agency will host a free open house at the Dorothy Jackson Family Resource Center.

Maria Villa is one of 1,800 people in Lompoc and northern Santa Barbara County using the Family Service Agency.

Villa said she’s getting much of the support she needs to get back on her feet every time she walks through these doors.

“I got out of domestic violence so I needed some support,” Villa said.

The single mother of three is learning how to save money, she’s also getting parenting lessons, and counseling. The resources are all part of the FSA.

Alica Down, FSA board member, said “Lompoc has a higher poverty rate than anywhere in the county.”

According to FSA statistics, more than one out of five children and adults live in poverty, many of whom also experience violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.

The FSA said 34 percent of the Lompoc population has low to extremely low income.