Family Service Agency was named United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Community Impact Partner of the Year for their partnership during the Thomas Fire & Flood Fund distributions. Some of the key FSA team members on this project included, from left to right, Ada Martinez, Alison Espinola, Ashleigh Erving, and Executive Director Lisa Brabo. Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has announced the nominees for their 96th Annual Awards Celebration, taking place May 8th at the Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort.
Local volunteers, businesses, schools, and organizations will be recognized for their significant contributions to UWSBC’s work in the community during the 2018 calendar year.
UWSBC is pleased to announce one of this year’s award recipients early; Family Service Agency (FSA) has been named United Way of Santa Barbara County’s Community Impact Partner of the Year.
For the second phase of United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund distributions, applications from affected individuals and families were solicited and approved for direct grants. This funding cycle was carried out in partnership with Family Service Agency, UWSBC’s designated case management agency for the Fund.
Through providing evidence-informed case management, needs verification, and ongoing support, Family Service Agency played a critical role in ensuring that both the near- and long-term needs of affected individuals and families were met in an efficient and timely manner. In total, Family Service Agency conducted interviews with more than 500 applicant families affected by the disasters, offered additional wrap around resources, and provided referrals to those in need of additional support.
“Family Service Agency’s support during an incredibly challenging time for the entire community truly made it possible for our team to provide critical support to those affected,” said United Way of Santa Barbara County CEO Steve Ortiz. “On behalf of everyone at United Way, thank you to the team at FSA for your tremendous partnership and your service to the community. This is certainly a well-deserved recognition.”
“FSA’s partnership with the United Way drew on the natural strengths of each organization – FSA’s background as a trauma-informed organization with expertise in case management and United Way’s ability to rally the support of the community to benefit those in need,” said Family Service Agency Executive Director Lisa Brabo. “Together, we built a strong system to help disaster victims and the larger community begin to heal. We are honored by this award.”
More information and the full list of award nominees is available at www.unitedwaysb.org/awards.
2019 United Way of Santa Barbara County Annual Awards Celebration
Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Location: Santa Barbara Hilton Beachfront Resort, Reagan Room, 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Tickets: $100 each, available at www.unitedwaysb.org/awards
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
United Way of Santa Barbara County: United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) has the unique and positive vision that “in our community, everyone has a hopeful future.” Since 1923, UWSBC has served Santa Barbara County community through funding, volunteer development, and by utilizing its own unique initiatives that involve dozens of local non-profit and public sector agencies. UWSBC’s local community driven Power of Partnership™ priorities help children, families & seniors with a focus on Education, Income and Health.