Endowment for Youth Committee

Our Team

The people behind EYC

EYC is led by a volunteer board of directors committed to opening doors for South Coast youth.

2026 Board of Directors

Leadership

EYC is led by a volunteer board of directors and committee members committed to opening doors for South Coast youth.

Cliff Lambert

Cliff Lambert

Co-Founder, President & Fundraising Chair

David Zimmerman

David Zimmerman

Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair

Amber Balentine

Amber Balentine

Secretary

Marcus Mathis

Marcus Mathis

Education Committee Chair

David Whittington

Events Committee Chair

Cindy Valencia

Finance Committee

Maria Johnson

Finance Committee

Julius Abanise

Education Committee

Wel-Jara Johnson

Events Committee

Mwei Banks

Events Committee

Jelani Hicks

Jelani Hicks

Events Committee

Dan Daniels

Events Committee

Committees

Board Committee

Finance

  • David Zimmerman, Chair
  • Cindy Valencia
  • Maria Johnson

Board Committee

Education

  • Marcus Mathis, Chair
  • Julius Abanise

Committee members: Phil Sherman, Miranda Vasquez

Board Committee

Events

  • David Whittington, Chair
  • Jelani Hicks
  • Dan Daniels
  • Mwei Banks
  • Wel-Jara Johnson

Committee members: Justin Thompson, Dylan Mooney, Doug Caines

Agency Grant Writer: Sheba Lux

Our Founders

Melvin Richey & Cliff Lambert

In 1986, Melvin Richey and Cliff Lambert brought Santa Barbara’s Eastside together to protect its young people. Nearly four decades later, their vision continues to guide everything we do.

Become a Board Member