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Come Home to Friendship Center: Our 50th Anniversary Reunion

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2026 • Comments Off

A Special Note From Esther Kratz

Spreading joy in 2020 with one of our many car parades.

Dancing with members in 2014 at our previous Goleta location.

Celebrating the season with a trolley ride at our 2012 Holiday Staff Party.

Hello,

Friendship Center is 50! Wow!

For 35 years this September, I have the joy of being part of this very special community. Many of you receiving this email, I know personally. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many members, families, and friends through my many roles at Friendship Center, from directing our buses and taking members on field trips to leading our Connections program, working at our Montecito and Goleta locations, running the Gold Program, and now serving as our Membership Liaison.

Friendship Center has truly become my mission and second home. The fun, laughter, friendships, and wonderful people I’ve met along the way have made these years so meaningful. I was especially grateful for the care Friendship Center gave my dad, and that experience inspired me to become part of the team myself.

When I heard we were having a 50th Anniversary Family Reunion, I was so excited! For me, it means the chance to see so many of the people I’ve connected with and cared about over the years. We’re bringing the heart and livelihood of Friendship Center downtown to Chase Palm Park for one special afternoon, and I can’t wait to celebrate with all of you!

Please RSVP for this FREE Family Reunion HERE!

And don’t forget about our Dementia Care Conference on Saturday, September 26. I’ve included additional details below so you can join us for each part of this 50th Anniversary Weekend.

I look forward to sharing stories, enjoying live music, laughing together, participating in activities, and sharing a special lunch. Most of all, I’m excited to celebrate the people who have made Friendship Center what it is today.

I look forward to seeing you there,

Esther Kratz

JOIN US FOR OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND ?

SEPTEMBER 26-27, 2026

Visit friendshipcentersb.org/50-years/

Friendship Center’s 1st Family Reunion & Picnic

Sunday, September 27, 2026

12:00 – 3:00 PM

Carousel House, Chase Palm Park

223 E Cabrillo Blvd

Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Free, RSVP Required

LUNCH INCLUDED

Join us for Friendship Center’s first-ever Family Reunion, bringing together generations of participants, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate 50 years of community, care, and connection.

Learn more.

RSVP HERE

Friendship Center’s Inaugural Dementia Care Conference

Modern Day Dementia: Impacts, Options, and the Way Forward

Saturday, September 26, 2026

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

The Leta Hotel

5650 Calle Real

Goleta, CA 93117

Tickets Available (discounted rate for family caregivers and students)

LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS INCLUDED

Bringing together local and national experts to provide education, best practices, resources, and support for families, community members, and professionals, impacted by dementia throughout Santa Barbara County.

Learn more.