CommUnify, a long‑standing nonprofit that has provided Head Start services across Santa Barbara County since 1967, announced the acquisition of the former Grace Lutheran Preschool building at 420 East Fesler Street in Santa Maria. The purchase, completed on July 24 for $950,000, marks the next phase of the organization’s mission to expand early education opportunities for the region’s most vulnerable families.
Renovation plans and capacity
The renovated campus will feature four classrooms, a commercial kitchen, outdoor learning space and two play yards. Two of the classrooms will be dedicated to infants and toddlers ages three months to two years, while the remaining two will serve pre‑K children ages three to five, preparing them for kindergarten entry. When fully operational, the center will be able to serve up to 70 children from low‑income households and their families.
Funding and partners
CommUnify is financing the project with a $1.3 million Infrastructure Grant Program award from the California Department of Social Services, supplemented by a loan from the Low‑Income Investment Fund. Additional fundraising efforts are underway to cover the remaining renovation costs. The Radius Group’s Golis Team represented CommUnify in the sale, and Pacifica Commercial Realty acted for the seller, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of Santa Maria.
Historical background
The Grace Lutheran congregation built the original site in 1949 and expanded it into a preschool by 1960. After decades of operation, the preschool closed, and the church later decided to sell the property. The sale agreement included off‑site parking for staff and parent drop‑off, a critical component for the new child‑care center’s daily operations.
Timeline and next steps
Architect Gabriel Architects of Santa Maria has been tapped to design the renovation. Groundbreaking is expected in the coming months, with a target opening in the summer of 2028, just in time for the 2028‑2029 academic year. CommUnify’s leadership emphasized that the project would not have been possible without the cooperation of the Grace Lutheran congregation.
Community impact
By expanding Head Start services in Santa Maria, CommUnify aims to strengthen families, support early childhood development, and uphold the community’s commitment to faith‑based service and parental responsibility. The center will provide a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn foundational skills while parents receive the support they need to thrive.
Local families and community members are encouraged to stay informed about fundraising opportunities and volunteer needs as the project moves forward.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
