Save the Date: November 11th, 2023, Senior Expo Success, and SMVYFC 50th Anniversary Celebration

Family Service Agency | October 2023

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Dear Friends,

I was happy to be with community members and staff on October 1st at FSA’s Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center 50th Anniversary Celebration, and then three days later at the 32nd annual Senior Expo. These two events brought together over 1,300 participants from all over Santa Barbara County.

Surrounded by such a wonderful and diverse group of people, each with their own needs and curiosities, I thought about how FSA touches so many. From connecting families with resources, to assisting students (like those who participated in the music and dancing in Santa Maria) to supporting seniors and their caregivers, FSA’s programs are designed to carry out our mission, “To strengthen and advocate for families and individuals of all ages and diversities, helping to create and preserve a healthy community.”

With gratitude,

Lisa Brabo, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

EVENTS

Senior Expo Draws In Over 1000 Attendees

Braving the 90-degree heat, over 1,000 seniors, caregivers and family members enjoyed the 32nd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara at the Earl Warren Showgrounds on October 1st. Featuring 113 exhibitors, attendees collected information on the wide variety of products and services curated for the fastest growing demographic in the U.S. Among the participating vendors were financial services, residential care facilities, sports and physical therapists as well as barbers and beauticians providing complimentary hair styling and makeovers.

A Caregiver Café staffed by FSA therapists and senior services personnel, provided information as well as emotional support to those supporting loved ones. Rite Aid pharmacists were on hand to administer COVID and flu vaccines to those in attendance.

FSA’s Stephanie G. Coghlan, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Assistant enthused that meeting and talking to so many seniors was fun and uplifting, “Can you imagine the collective wisdom that this group of people have? They are a joy to be around,” she commented.

While all the exhibits were informative, by far – one of the biggest hits were the “greeters." Six Labrador Retrievers, one Britney Spaniel, a Queensland Healer mix, and a Golden Retriever snuffled and nuzzled participants as they waited to get into the show. Our furry friends Maddie, Cricket, and Dandelion agree that this Expo was terrific – but wait till you see us next year.

It is never too early to make a year-end contribution!

FSA served more than 26,000 members of the Santa Barbara County community during our fiscal year 2022-2023.

Through strategic collaborations and successful approaches to public funding, we have been able to serve the many diverse needs of families, youth and seniors.

However, in addition to increasing demand for services (particularly for seniors and vulnerable families) there are still many gaps that go unfilled every year. Our dedicated donors who give every year are key to filling these unmet needs.

Be one of the first to make a year-end contribution – and get a friend to join you and remember, a rising tide lifts all

boats - healthy families make

healthy communities!

Donate today!

From July 2022 – June 2023

Our parenting education classes including Connected Couples, Connected Families and Dedicated Dads graduated 364 participants and of those 97% of parents reduced their overall risk for child abuse and neglect.

In partnership with Mental Wellness and YouthWell, 417 parents, educators, professionals, students and community members have joined the movement to “Be The Difference” by completing a

course in Mental Health First Aid where participants learn to recognize signs of mental distress and identify ways to provide assistance.

FSA’s Outreach Mentors attended 45 distribution events reaching 16,319 individuals to distribute food, clothing, and school supplies.

Visit our website to learn more

about our programs and services!

Learn more

FSA in the Community

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.

On September 16th, Little House by the Park's Community Engagement Manager, Samuel Duarte and LHP's Community Changers walked in Guadalupe's 100th Annual Fiestas Patrias in solidarity with Leyva Oregel Garcia, who lost her life to domestic violence earlier this year.

FSA Board Member, Ed Galanski (far right) stands with the Arellanes Junior High Builders Club representing the Kiwanis Club of Santa Maria in their support of the Builders Club's fundraiser for the victims of the devastating fires in Maui. FSA's Outreach Mentor III, Ashley Bognuda is also pictured here and serves as the lead facilitator for the Builders Club.

FSA's Chief Strategy & Operations Officer, Denise Cicourel joined other FSA staff to share about career options, open positions, and FSA culture at the Pacifica Graduate Institute's Bridging Education, Ambition & Meaningful Work Career Fair on September 28th.

EVENTS

Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center Celebrates 50 Years of Impact at Family Festival

On Sunday, October 1st, 2023, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC) marked its 50th anniversary with a joyous Family Festival held at the new Teresa Machado Plaza. This event was a vibrant celebration of half a century of unwavering dedication to Santa Maria children, families, and seniors.

The Family Festival was a great success, bringing together families, community members, and supporters to enjoy a day filled with music, dance, and family fun. Attendees were treated to unforgettable performances by the Santa Maria High School Marching Band and the Righetti High School Folklórico, with DJ OKEY keeping the energy high throughout the day.

The festivities weren't limited to the stage; guests of all ages had a blast with activities like face painting, bracelet making, Lotería, and an array of lawn games. It was a day of unity and enjoyment, underscoring SMVYFC's commitment to tackling mental health challenges, poverty, and parenting struggles.

Speeches from local leaders included Mayor Alice Patino and councilmembers Carlos Escobedo and Gloria Soto, who expressed their gratitude for the center's contributions to Santa Maria. The event also featured speeches from past SMVYFC leadership, Judi Nishimori, and FSA board member Teressa Johnes, offering a retrospective on the organization's remarkable journey.

SMVYFC and FSA extend a heartfelt thank you to all who joined in this momentous celebration. As they look forward to another 50 years of continued service and growth within the community, they remain dedicated to their mission of empowering youth, families, and seniors throughout Santa Barbara County.

To learn more about SMVYFC's 50 years of community impact, visit fsacares.org/smvyfc