A Bold New Chapter Begins: Children’s Resource & Referral and Discovery Museum Merge to Launch the Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum
Santa Maria, CA – In a landmark move set to transform the landscape of early learning and family support services across the Central Coast, Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County (CRR) and the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum (SMVDM) are thrilled to announce their official merger, effective July 1, 2025.
As part of this transition, Children’s Resource & Referral of Santa Barbara County will remain the umbrella organization, continuing its mission to support families, early educators, and communities across the region. The Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum will now operate as Children’s Resource & Referral’s Discovery Museum—a vibrant, mission-aligned space dedicated to hands-on learning, exploration, and early childhood enrichment. This evolution reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality educational experiences for all children.
This dynamic merger blends CRR’s longstanding leadership in child care resource and referral services with the Discovery Museum’s rich legacy of interactive, hands-on learning. The result is a powerful, one-stop hub where children and families can play, learn, grow—and thrive.
“This is more than a merger; it’s a movement toward a stronger, more connected future for our community’s children,” said Michelle Graham, CEO at CRR. “Together, we are expanding access to early education, enriching learning experiences, and supporting families where they are—both in life and in learning.”
Why This Merger Matters
By aligning missions, operations, and outreach, the new Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum will:
• 💡 Strengthen the Educational Continuum – Merging playful discovery with school readiness and child development support
• 🌱 Broaden Community Reach – Deepening engagement with underserved populations across Santa Barbara County
• 🔧 Boost Operational Efficiency – Leveraging shared resources across HR, IT, finance, and facilities
• 🌍 Foster Innovative Programming – Launching new offerings like STEM Nights, “Stay & Play” family hours, mobile discovery units, and multilingual access initiatives
With CRR’s operational capacity and the Discovery Museum’s community-rooted programming, this merger will significantly expand service reach, annual visitor capacity, and access to enriched services, partnerships, and extended hours.
A United Vision for the Future
The CRR Discovery Museum will not only preserve the joyful, hands-on experiences children know and love—it will also integrate access to child care referrals, parenting resources, and educational programs under one roof. Families will experience the convenience and empowerment of a single destination for play, learning, and support.
“Our shared vision is rooted in one belief: that all children deserve the chance to discover their potential,” said Jacquilyn Banta, COO at CRR. “This is our commitment to a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for Santa Barbara County.”
Join the Movement!
Be part of this exciting new chapter!
You’re invited to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
📅 Tuesday, July 8, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Children’s Resource & Referral Discovery Museum
705 S McClelland St, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Celebrate with us as we officially unveil a space built for curiosity, connection, and community!
Learn more: www.crrsbc.org
