The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is offering free admission to residents affected by the ongoing government shutdown, including federal employees, Head Start families and employees and EBT/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cardholders during the shutdown and while SNAP benefits are delayed.
The initiative aims to help families facing financial strain during a challenging time, with a particular focus on supporting children who might be experiencing stress due to uncertainty within the household.
Jamie Lafollette, the program and outreach manager for the Capitola Mall-based children’s museum, wrote in a media release that stress during early childhood can affect emotional regulation, learning capacity and social skills.
Lafollette said that spaces where families can find relief are an effective outlet for children to process stress and build resilience.
The shutdown has affected federal workers throughout Santa Cruz County, with additional families impacted by the delay in SNAP benefits and closures of local Head Start programs.
More than 35,000 Santa Cruz County residents receive food aid through CalFresh, the state’s version of the federal SNAP program, and a federally funded Head Start child care program run by Encompass Community Services temporarily closed Friday due to the ongoing shutdown, leaving 250 children without care and 91 staff members out of work. That’s in addition to federal employees who live and/or work in Santa Cruz County who have been furloughed during the shutdown or are working without pay.
The museum already serves over 14,000 visitors annually from low-income families with subsidized admission and membership programs.
Eligible visitors need only proof of furlough or government-issued employee ID and EBT/SNAP card at the entrance. No advance registration is required.
For more information, visit www.sccmod.org
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