Santa Barbara – Local substance abuse and counseling organization Zona Seca, Inc., announced today the addition of Judy Rossiter, co-owner of a marketing and public relations company serving the nonprofit sector in north Santa Barbara County, to its board of directors.
“Judy’s experience working with young people in the nonprofit arena and her connection to the community will prove to be a valuable asset to our leadership team,” Zona Seca Executive Director Frank Banales said. “We are very fortunate to have her aboard. Her passion for working with kids is incredible and exactly the kind of energy needed to succeed in the type of work we do.”
Rossiter has a broad background in both for-profit and nonprofit work, including teaching at various grade levels, youth ministry, and serving on several committees focused on education. Rossiter was the director of development for the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County and was later recruited to work in the same capacity for the Santa Barbara Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Rossiter has been central to the development of a new nonprofit organization, SOS California, dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of natural gas and oil seep pollution in the Santa Barbara Channel.
Rossiter says her passion for education, social change, and helping young people in need is what drew her to Zona Seca’s Youth Cinemedia program, which teaches local hard core high-risk youth marketable media skills while providing a positive alternative to gangs, violence, and substance abuse.
“I love the Youth CineMedia Program,” Rossiter said. “It is very hands-on, heart-centered and focused on the kids. I am thrilled as a new board member to be in a position to help this program continue to grow and change the lives of troubled young people in our community.”
Zona Seca, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing professional and cost-effective substance abuse counseling intervention and prevention services to the local community. Programs address youth offenders, driving under the influence, family violence, and drug diversion. Zona Seca has been serving the community for over 37 years with offices in downtown Santa Barbara and Lompoc, and is often referred to as “the best-kept secret in Santa Barbara.”