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Soquel Today
By the People, for the People
Damians Ladder Director Recognized for Community Leadership
Ann Bennett Young of Santa Cruz County nonprofit honored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin
Apr. 12, 2026 at 7:14pm
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A vibrant celebration of the community-focused work of Damians Ladder, a Santa Cruz nonprofit that empowers seniors to age in place through essential home repairs.Soquel TodayAnn Bennett Young, the executive director of the Santa Cruz County nonprofit Damians Ladder, was recently recognized by California Assemblymember Gail Pellerin for her community leadership at the 28th Assembly District Women of the Year Awards. Young is one of the four founders of Damians Ladder, which provides home repairs and maintenance for low-income seniors and those with disabilities.
Why it matters
The recognition of Ann Bennett Young and Damians Ladder highlights the important work being done by local nonprofits to support vulnerable members of the community and help seniors age in place safely. Damians Ladder's growth and projected milestone of 1,000 service requests completed are a testament to the organization's impact.
The details
Under Young's leadership, Damians Ladder has expanded throughout Santa Cruz County and is expected to complete its 1,000th service request by late summer 2023. The nonprofit organization was founded with the goal of providing minor home repairs and property maintenance for low-income seniors and those with disabilities, allowing them to age in place in a safe and healthy environment.
- Damians Ladder is projected to complete its 1,000th service request in late summer 2023.
- The 28th Assembly District Women of the Year Awards ceremony took place recently.
The players
Ann Bennett Young
The executive director of the Santa Cruz County nonprofit Damians Ladder and one of the organization's four founders.
Gail Pellerin
A California Assemblymember who recognized Ann Bennett Young and other community leaders at the 28th Assembly District Women of the Year Awards.
What they’re saying
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 408 schools for their efforts to move the needle for student achievement, no matter what. An excellent public education has the power to transform lives, and I commend the educators and school communities who have dedicated themselves to producing exemplary results. This year's California Distinguished Schools represent the hard work of our middle and high school educators and school staff, who provide our secondary students with life-changing educational opportunities.”
— Tony Thurmond, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized among the Top 100 in Experience by Activated Insights. This award reflects the trust our clients place in us and the dedication our caregivers show every day. Providing compassionate, high-quality care is at the heart of everything we do, and this recognition means so much because it comes directly from the experiences of the families we serve.”
— Andrew Pagliaro, Owner, Visiting Angels Senior Home Care Santa Cruz
“We're proud to recognize Visiting Angels Senior Home Care Santa Cruz for earning the Best of Home Care – Top 100 Leader in Experience Award. This distinction is reserved for a select group of home care organizations that consistently perform at the highest level across multiple quality measures. Because this recognition is based on ongoing feedback from both clients and caregivers, it reflects Visiting Angels Senior Home Care Santa Cruz's sustained commitment to exceptional care, continuous improvement, and a strong experience for everyone they serve.”
— Bud Meadows, CEO, Activated Insights
What’s next
Damians Ladder is expected to complete its 1,000th service request in late summer 2023, a significant milestone for the organization.
The takeaway
The recognition of Ann Bennett Young and Damians Ladder highlights the vital role that local nonprofits play in supporting vulnerable members of the community, such as low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, by providing essential home repair and maintenance services that allow them to age in place safely and with dignity.