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Dear Friends,

As we usher in the new year of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we undertook together in 2023. Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of FSA’s successful community impacts, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you who contributed to these achievements. Whether you were a dedicated team member, a donor, or a valued partner, your commitment propelled us forward. Thanks to many of you, we met and exceeded our year-end match! As we look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that 2024 presents, we are confident that with your continued support, we can contribute even more substantially to family and community wellness.

This year represents 125 years of FSA’s service in Santa Barbara County. Thank you for being an integral part of our ongoing story. Here is to a year filled with shared successes, growth, and collaborative triumphs.

With gratitude,

Lisa Brabo, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Before we jump into 2024, let's look back at the most impactful moments of 2023 and see what we achieved together. We are so grateful for our partners, friends, and supporters!

This time last year, Little House by the Park staff assisted in crisis response to support community members during the devastating floods in Guadalupe. LHP staff kept the Center open with several family advocates, providing translation and coordinating a response effort to secure housing and resources for the families displaced by the floods.

Mike Leu (right) is with FSA's LTCO Manager Marco Quintanar, displaying his recognition certificate from U.S. Senator Monique Limón to commemorate his service. Mike is a fantastic advocate for residents in long-term care facilities, logging more than 10,000 volunteer hours as an Ombudsman Representative in Santa Barbara.

Dreams in Bloom, FSA's spring fundraiser, was an unforgettable event, bringing together our community for an evening of compassion and unity. With over 200 guests in attendance, we raised a record-breaking $250,000 to support countywide family support and mental health counseling programs, and we are still so grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and volunteered.

In May 2023, FSA was honored with the 2022 Santa Barbara County Senior Program of the Year award, bestowed by the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens and Area Agency on Aging. The award was accepted by FSA's Senior Services Director, DeAnn Rosenberry, during the memorable Older Americans Month Celebration.

The Women's Fund of Santa Barbara extended their generous support for our Community Mental Health Navigator in May. The Mental Health Navigator helps residents navigate the mental health system and access community resources.

On June 1st, at United Way's 100th Anniversary Celebration, Family Service Agency was awarded the esteemed Community Impact Award. This remarkable recognition acknowledges our exemplary commitment and partnership in serving Santa Barbara County's children, families, and seniors in need.

In July of 2023, The Little House by the Park was selected to receive a $140,000 grant as part of the Central Coast Creative Corps (CCCC) Program, a pilot grant program by the California Arts Council to fund LHP's Guadalupe Community Changers to work with a Central Coast-based artist for one year.

On July 19th, FSA and LHP leadership, Will Fuller and Samuel Duarte attended Supervisor Joan Hartmann's Lompoc Youth Wellness and Safety Leadership Meeting alongside additional stakeholders to discuss current resources and additional support that can be provided to youth.

In July, 15 families eagerly waited to meet their boys after their 13-day stay at the R.M. Pyles Boys Camp. Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center has been selecting candidates since 1985, sending 15 boys to camp in 2023 at no cost to the families.

On August 20th, Family Relationships Facilitator, Dulce Castelan; Chief Strategy & North County Programs Officer, Arcelia Sencion; and FSA Board Member, Alex Murkison, joined other FSA staff at the 34th Annual Day In The Park to connect with community members and share about the services we offer in Santa Maria!

FSA's Family Outreach Advocate Supervisor, Margot Olivarria, was honored with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District Key to the District Award on September 13th! Margot continues to connect families with the resources and basic needs they need to move toward a brighter future, leading our dedicated team of advocates.

FSA held the Gift of Healthy Aging on September 14th—an event dedicated to fostering healthy aging in the community. Our lineup of speakers shared valuable insights and tips to empower individuals and families on their journey to healthy aging, with topics ranging from new programs and services to advanced care directives. If you were not able to attend, you can watch videos of the presentations here.

On October 1st, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center/FSA held a Family Festival at the new Teresa Machado Plaza in celebration of SMVYFC's 50th Anniversary! Attendees enjoyed performances from the Santa Maria High School Marching Band and the Righetti High School Folklórico, with DJ OKEY keeping the energy high throughout the day! Christina Hernandez of Assembly Member Gregg Hart's office presented FSA's CEO, Lisa Brabo with a California State Assembly Certificate of Recognition for SMVYFC's 50 Years of Exceptional Service.

The 32nd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara was a resounding success, attracting over 1000 visitors and 113 exhibitors! Attendees enjoyed an abundance of local resources and services for seniors and caregivers, including health-related services like flu shots and COVID vaccines.

Outreach Mentor Program Manager, Diane Koenig-Martinez, and other FSA staff attended Santa Maria's Open Streets on October 8th—a day filled with family fun, live music, arts, culture, and fitness activities. Main Street was closed for a mile, giving free space for people of all ages and abilities to play and be active.

FSA's inaugural Pickleball Tournament was a big hit in November! Held at the Montecito Club courts with a breathtaking ocean view, guests not only enjoyed the thrill of the competition but also indulged in delicious food. We are grateful to all those who came to support a great cause!

Senior Services Director, De Rosenberry and CEO, Lisa Brabo of FSA were among the many organizations working with the Department of Social Services on the recent Santa Barbara County Master Plan on Aging convening held on October 12th in Buellton.

On December 8th, the Lompoc Chamber's Leadership Lompoc Valley group toured FSA's B Street office and learned about how we're making a difference in the lives of local residents every day!

EVENTS

Save the Date for Dreams in Bloom

FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY

Upcoming Event

The Women’s Fund Forum: Strengthening & Supporting Families

The New Vic Theatre

January 17th, 2024

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Family Service Agency | 805.965.1001 | FSAcares.org

STAY CONNECTED