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Dear Friends,
I don’t know where to start with this intro letter. As much joy as we have in our programs on a daily basis, behind the scenes has been a bit tough for us over the last few months with our renovations, seasonal membership changes, fundraising efforts in what is typically a “slower” season, and so on. Well, April surely gave us the thumbs up that what we are doing is working, and I am so excited I might just jump through your screen as you read this!
For starters, I’m jazzed to share that we have officially launched our 50th Anniversary webpage! Throughout the year, this page will serve as the home for announcements, stories, celebrations, and special events commemorating Friendship Center’s first half century of impact in our community.
Among the exciting happenings this year are two new signature events that are in response to the needs expressed by our community to appeal to both the head and the heart. On Saturday, September 26th, we will host our inaugural Dementia Care Conference, bringing together leaders, professionals, caregivers, and advocates for meaningful and resourceful educational sessions around dementia support and innovation at the Leta Hotel. That same weekend, on Sunday, September 27th, we will also hold our first-ever Friendship Center Family Reunion, welcoming back every family member, volunteer, staff member, Board member, and former care partner who has been part of Friendship Center’s story over the last fifty years.
This fun, memorializing event will be held at the beautiful Carousel House in Santa Barbara and will offer everyone who has been impacted by Friendship Center the opportunity to reconnect and share stories of their loved ones once again; essentially it will be a group celebration of the remarkable lives that have walked through our doors at some point.
I am also incredibly proud to share some very special news: Friendship Center has been selected by the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year!
This recognition is especially meaningful because, while Friendship Center has received state and national recognition for our work over the years (and I’m sure we are a hot topic internationally, too), there is something uniquely special about being recognized by our own local community and neighbors. It is like getting a major compliment from the person you’ve known forever but who you never really thought noticed you (we know you’ve noticed us, Santa Barbara, but this just feels really special coming from you!)
Though Friendship Center has been around since 1976 and based in Montecito since 1979, we are often surprised by how many people in our surrounding community still say, “I had no idea you were here.” In many ways, this recognition feels like a beautiful reminder that the work happening quietly behind our doors every day matters deeply to the fabric of this community. It also gives us a new platform to shout from the rooftops that WE ARE HERE, and we are not going anywhere, with your help.
This honor belongs to every person who has made, and kept, Friendship Center the remarkable place that it is. To exist for as long as we have and maintain the reputation and consistent quality that we do is neither easy nor usual. I must credit my predecessor, Heidi, for her 38 years of not just leading this organization, but preserving its integrity to the highest standard.
As I soon approach my three-year mark as Executive Director, my pride continues to swell that I get to lead Friendship Center into its next chapter, and my gratitude to be among the most hardworking, loving staff, Board members, and volunteers is over the top.
And now, as we enter this celebratory and monumental season for Friendship Center, I want to ask for that love to come back to us in a simple but incredibly meaningful way:
Spread the word!
Tell two people about Friendship Center this week. Tell someone that we are here, that there is a place in this community where people living with dementia are met with joy, dignity, friendship, and purpose. Tell someone that caregivers do not have to navigate this journey alone.
Come to the events we are creating for this community. Come learn more about dementia care. Come reconnect with old friends and memories. Come celebrate the people who built Friendship Center into what it is today. And most importantly, help us ensure Friendship Center remains here for the next fifty years and beyond.
Most especially, I hope you will join us for our Summer Polo Soirée on July 17th at the Santa Barbara Polo Club. This event will serve as Friendship Center’s sole fundraising event of the year, making it one of the most important happenings for sustaining our mission and programs. It will be a beautiful evening of community, celebration, and support for the families we serve every single day.
We have a lot to celebrate this year, won’t you join us? |
