In our scenic Santa Ynez Valley, it’s easy to overlook the hidden struggles of its residents amidst the idyllic vineyards and rolling hills. Pam Gnekow, however, has spent nearly two decades uncovering these challenges and addressing them head-on as the director of SYV Community Outreach. Her organization provides a safety net for seniors, families, veterans, and other underserved community members, ensuring no one is left behind in this seemingly affluent area.
“It was surprising to learn just how many people here live below the poverty line,” Pam shared. “This valley is known for its wealth, but behind the scenes, there are families, babies, seniors, and veterans who need support. I’m proud to have spent 19 years making a difference in their lives.”
SYV Community Outreach’s flagship program, Meals on Wheels, exemplifies the organization’s ethos. Every day, anywhere from 400-410 meals are delivered to seniors and veterans across the valley, from all the various SYV towns to Los Alamos. These are no ordinary meals—they’re crafted with care by Chef Daniel, a former executive chef at the Landsby Hotel. “Our Meals on Wheels recipients enjoy dishes made with fresh, local ingredients,” Pam explained. “Incorporating the valley’s bounty is one of the changes I introduced. People deserve nutritious, high-quality food.”
Meals on Wheels provides not only fresh, nutritious food but also daily wellness checks, reducing risks of isolation and accidents. The program partners with the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center to create meals for patients undergoing chemotherapy and has been recognized by the USDA as one of two Veterans Distribution Food Service Centers in Santa Barbara County.
Another one of SYV Community Outreach’s most unique offerings is its veteran-specific support. The organization runs a dedicated room where veterans can “shop” for food and receive a daily prepared lunch if needed.
“The veteran room feels small, but it’s like a Marry Poppins room—it’s as big as it needs to be,” Pam joked. The space also houses a liaison to assist veterans with VA paperwork, cutting through the often-overwhelming bureaucracy. “We want to make their lives easier. They’ve served us; now it’s our turn to serve them.”
SYV Community Outreach thrives thanks to its robust network of volunteers, whom Pam describes as the organization’s backbone. Betty, an 84-year-old volunteer, drives for Meals on Wheels three days a week and helps distribute food. “Our volunteers are amazing,” Pam said. “Their dedication is the reason we can serve so many people.”
The organization also hosts a variety of events to raise funds, including the Cars and Cowboys fundraiser, which combines classic cars, live music, and auctions to support Meals on Wheels. “Every penny raised goes directly to the program,” Pam emphasized.
SYV Community Outreach’s services extend far beyond food. The Buellton Senior Center, which operates under the organization, offers resources such as transportation to medical appointments, housing assistance, and even a thrift store that provides affordable clothing and goods.
Programs like the Holy Grounds Café create a sense of community where anyone can socialize over coffee and pastries. “It’s not just about meeting basic needs,” Pam explained. “It’s about fostering connections and ensuring everyone feels valued.”
Not only is Pam hustling from the kitchen to the dining area to the distributing tables to make sure everything is going smoothly, she also stops to greet every person that wants to speak to her. The controlled chaos that is this community center indeed speaks to where Pam’s heart lies: in service of others. She greets the regulars, points out where to hang decorations, and stops to offer council to a distraught patron who very recently lost her mother and needs someone to talk to. The Santa Ynez Valley is truly lucky to have someone with such a great heart running this ship. Of course, Pam is not doing this task alone. Her partner of 10 years, Linda Linton, has been her director and also a wonderful friend to these volunteers and patrons alike.
As Pam reflects on nearly two decades of service, her commitment to the Santa Ynez Valley remains steadfast. “I’ve raised my kids here. This community is my home,” she said. “And as long as there’s a need, SYV Community Outreach will be here to meet it.”
For Pam Gnekow, leading SYV Community Outreach is more than a job—it’s a calling. Through their core values of inclusivity, compassion, and community, we know that future will be bright for this wonderful organization. It’s amazing how a little love and care can make a huge difference, every single day. These success stories serve as inspiration to keep going, and do even bigger and better things for the Santa Ynez Valley.
"As long as there’s a need, SYV Community Outreach will be here to meet it."