Santa Maria, CA (August, 2016)– Westar Associates, a real estate development company that operates The Crossroads & College Square shopping centers in Santa Maria, has donated a total of $7,500 to the Good Samaritan Shelter, Central Coast Rescue Mission, and the Santa Maria Firefighters’ Benevolent Foundation organizations to show their support for local non-profit organizations in the Santa Maria community.
The Good Samaritan Shelter nonprofit organization aspires to save lives and improve the health of those in need on the Central Coast. Since 1987, the organization has provided the community with many programs addressing homelessness as well as alcohol and substance abuse. They assist in providing shelter, affordable housing, clean and sober living, drug and alcohol treatment, outreach and education within the local community.
The Central Coast Rescue Mission maintains its focus on Refuge, Recovery, and Restoration for those who seek it. They offer a wide range of treatment programs that address the person as a whole through mind, body, and spirit. In addition, they offer food and shelter for those in need, recovery assistance, advice and resources for those looking to lead a more productive life. “It is a joy to see businesses, churches, and volunteers engage in the, what seems at times, herculean task of serving the least, the last, and the lost,” says Larry Cooney, Director of the Central Coast Rescue Mission. “When the task feels overwhelming at times I remember Wayne’s story – how after sixteen years in prison, and a life of heartache, he came to the mission, found sobriety, and is now reconnected with his family and working again. And I also remember that we have great support from the community like our new friends at Westar. Thank you!”
The Santa Maria Firefighters’ Benevolent Foundation is committed to helping members of the Santa Maria Valley region in times of hardship to help strengthen their beloved community. Through donations, the Benevolent Foundation serves and assists the citizens of the Santa Maria Valley that don’t have immediate access to the help they need in times of severe stress, misfortune, and suffering. “Westar cares about the community and gives back to help others and that goes a long way,” says Larry Comerford, Fire Investigator / Santa Maria City Fire Department. “Our Foundation has already helped two of our own retired firefighters in their battle with cancer. It makes us feel good that we are able to provide some assistance to our brothers and sisters and have [Westar] to thank for it.”
For 16 years, Westar Associates has managed and operated the Crossroads & College Square shopping center in Santa Maria. The Crossroads shopping center is located on the Southwest corner of Highway 101 and Betteravia Road and includes Home Depot, Walmart, Walmart Neighborhood Market, TJ Maxx, Petsmart, and Best Buy. The College Square shopping center, located on 570 Betteravia Road, includes Panera Bread, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Verizon, and more. “Westar takes pride in actively giving back to the City of Santa Maria” says Jud Dutrisac, Chief Operating Officer of Westar Associates. “We chose to show our support to these three local organizations because they work hard everyday to make a difference in the lives of the local people who need it most.”
