Ventura County has taken a bold step in addressing the dire financial straits facing thousands of families in our region.

The county’s United Way organization, its Community Foundation and others have founded “Ventura County Together,” a relief effort focused on food, shelter and access to health care.

In just one example provided by Dave Smith of United Way, food stamp applications have soared 40 percent this year in the county. The group successfully has sought additional federal stimulus dollars to help shore up the essential safety net.

Ventura County Together is an example of how nonprofits can have their own multiplier effect when they join forces. It’s a model that other communities should consider replicating.

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