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Friendship Adult Day Care Center in Santa Barbara — Do you have a Deysi?

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2025 • Comments Off

Deysi, one of Friendship Center’s esteemed team members with vibrant—to put it lightly—energy, does it all.

Hello,

While Deysi’s official title is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) & Wellness Coordinator, the work she does and love she shares with our programs impacts every aspect of Friendship Center! Born and raised in Colombia and trained as a professional educator and dancer (fun fact: she came to the US to study at the prestigious Julliard), Deysi shares her culture and multitude of talents with our members, caregivers, staff and the greater community. She recently celebrated the one year anniversary of her one of a kind program, Herencia Latina, that celebrates the heritage and experiences of Spanish-speaking Latino older adults while catering the activities to accommodate all cognitive and physical abilities in a dignified and respectful manner.

DONATE TODAY TO HELP DEYSI PROVIDE SENIORS WITH THE CARE THEY DESERVE

Thanks to the extraordinary work of Deysi and her Herencia Latinaprogram, Friendship Center has become a place where all cultures and backgrounds are not only welcomed but honored. Through her care, Spanish-speaking members, many of whom would never have sought help outside their families, now experience joy, connection, and culturally meaningful support during their dementia journey.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dementia care, just as there isn’t in how we honor any meaningful relationship we have. Deysi’s role at Friendship Center takes this truth to heart. She meets each person where they are, creating a space where identity, language, and history are not overlooked, but cherished.

Honestly, there is no one like Deysi. I think of my Irish Catholic grandfather, my Russian Jewish father, my sister’s beautiful Papua New Guinean in-law…I wish someone like Deysi had been there for them and their families in their final chapters. Someone to see them fully, celebrate who they were, and care for them in a way that felt familiar and right in their final chapters.

Here in our community, we do have that someone. You have a Deysi. Right here, at Friendship Center, supporting your loved ones, your neighbors, and, maybe one day, you.

Help us continue to grow this work. Your gift supports Deysi and the other extraordinary team members whose compassion, respect and pure love enrich the lives of those we serve.

GIVE NOW TO PROVIDE SENIORS WITH ENRICHING PROGRAMS, LIKE HERENCIA LATINA

We want all seniors living with dementia to be able to benefit from Deysi’s incredible work, but compassionate, culturally rooted care like this comes at a cost. On average it costs Friendship Center roughly $220 per member, per day to provide the kind of personalized support our seniors need and deserve. Most families pay less than 30% of that cost. Your donation helps bridge that gap so Deysi can keep bringing joy, meaning, and dignity to every person who walks through our doors.

In Deysi’s words:

“Your support matters because it helps us continue providing essential services to those who really rely on us most. Your donation not only helps cover day-to-day operations, but it also shows the people we serve that they’re not alone—that their neighbors care and want to see them thrive. It’s that sense of shared responsibility and compassion that makes a lasting impact, both practically and emotionally.”

Deysi truly goes above and beyond, and she can’t do it without you! Thank you for being part of our Friendship Center family; together, we are creating a compassionate community where every person is seen, celebrated and cared for with love.

With Gratitude,

Kathryn Westland

DONATE NOW

P.S. – We’re already 66% of the way to our $50,000 goal! Help us reach our goal by June 30th so that more seniors can experience the joy, dignity and belonging they deserve through programs like Herencia Latina. Every gift of every size helps us create a more compassionate future for aging in our community.

MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!