Tag: Family Service Agency (FSA)

Over 700 Santa Barbara County Adults and Teens Trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid Last Year

by Community Contributor • July 9, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) and Youthwell are pleased to announce that over 700 teens and adults were trained in mental health first aid practices this past year.

Many Santa Barbara County residents will benefit from the individuals who have learned how to take the first step in assisting those with mental health challenges.

“Our classes give people the tools to help start conversations when they spot warning signs of mental health risks and substance abuse,” said Lyn Shirvanian, program coordinator. “These ‘First Aiders’ play a crucial role in helping youth connect to appropriate support, which can divert a tragedy.”

Family Service Agency (FSA) announces Senior Expo Exhibitor Registration Opens June 14

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) today announced that the 33rd Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara, the largest active aging fair in our area, will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Sponsorship and exhibitor registration opens Friday, June 14. Exhibit space is expected to sell out and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Sponsors and exhibitors have the opportunity to engage more than 1,000 local seniors and caregivers with information about products and services to help them lead active, healthy lives.” said Lisa Brabo, FSA CEO. “We are really proud that the Senior Expo, now in its 33rd year, continues to provide a comfortable atmosphere for folks to ask questions and learn about what is available in our community to support them.”

Family Service Agency (FSA) Unveils Program to Help Older Adults Age in Place

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, is excited to announce that it is expanding its case management services to help older adults age in place. The program is open to any Santa Barbara County resident 60 or older and is free, thanks to funding from the Modernization of the Older Californians Act and the Area Agency on Aging.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines aging in place as: “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.”

‘Dedicated Dads’ Lead to Healthy Kids

by Community Contributor • June 16, 2023 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Happy Father’s Day cards extol the virtues of Dad with pithy sayings like “#1 Dad” and “Happy Father’s Day to a dad who taught me what life is about….”

Fathers occupy a critical role in child development. According to The Fatherhood Project, Children with actively involved fathers are: 43% more likely to earn A’s in school and 33% less likely to repeat a grade than those without engaged dads. Children who feel a closeness to their father are also twice as likely as to enter college or find stable employment after high school, 75% less likely to have a teen birth, 80% less likely to spend time in jail, and half as likely to experience multiple depression symptoms.

Bilingual report — FSA’s The Little House By The Park Relocates

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Family Service Agency (FSA) announced that The Little House By The Park (LHP) has moved to two locations in Guadalupe. Staff will be on-hand at Riverview Townhomes, located at 230 Calle Cesar E Chavez, from Monday through Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, residents can obtain services at Guadalupe Court, located at 4202 11th Street. Hours of operation are 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. for both locations.

Federal Grant to Provide Mental Health First Aid Trainings to Over 4,800 Santa Barbara County Residents

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2022 • Comments Off

In response to our nation’s mental health crisis, Family Service Agency (FSA), Mental Wellness Center (MWC), and Youthwell have secured funding that will continue to bring Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) trainings to Santa Barbara County. In the next five years, the coalition expects to train 2,800 adults to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in youth, provide initial response, and safely connect youth with appropriate services. The funding also includes training 2,000 high school students to recognize and respond to the signs of mental health issues in their peers.

Virtual YMHFA classes start this February and are offered at no cost to Santa Barbara County adults thanks to funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

May 21 — Teachers, Parents Train in Youth Mental Health First Aid; Address Increased Incidents of Students in Distress

by Community Contributor • January 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Since the pandemic started, experts have warned of a mental health crisis facing American children. That is now playing out at schools across the nation—and in Santa Barbara County—in the form of increased childhood depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, fights and thoughts of suicide.

“The pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety in youth,” said Megan McClintock, Director of School Based Counseling Services for Family Service Agency (FSA). “Our organization is certainly seeing more referrals for treatment as well as an increase in severity.”

FSA Cooks Up Recipes for Brighter Futures

by Community Contributor • April 8, 2021 • Comments Off

Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Family Service Agency (FSA) is pivoting its annual Cooking Up Dreams event, to a fundraiser and drawing. The popular foodie event that traditionally wows guests with a cooking competition and tasting experience will transition to a drawing for gift certificates to local restaurants and wineries that have previously supported the event. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit mental health counseling and family support services for at-risk children, families and seniors provided by FSA, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center, and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park.

Key Santa Barbara County Youth Mentoring Programs Merge

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2020 • Comments Off

The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA) and Family Service Agency (FSA) announced that FSA’s Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program has closed and South County mentoring matches have joined the School Based Mentoring Program at CADA as of July 2020.

CADA and FSA share similar goals of making a positive difference in the lives of young people and have been collaborating since April to facilitate a smooth transition for the youth, their parents, and their mentors.

Family Service Agency Launches Parent Coaching ‘Warm Line’

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2020 • Comments Off

Offers Support, Tips for Homebound Families During COVID-19 SANTA PAULA — With stay-at-home orders, school closures, and business shut-downs, parents are balancing work, child care, and self-care while dealing with other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Family Service…

Family Service Agency Offers Tips to Help Caregivers Survive the Holidays — and Beyond

by Community Contributor • December 13, 2019 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The holidays are busy times, but for those caring for an elderly parent or loved one, the holidays add even more of a challenge. Already feeling overwhelmed with daily caregiving tasks, caregivers may view holiday preparations as more…

Family Service Agency Merges with Little House by the Park

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2019 • Comments Off

Merger to Increase Family Support Services in Guadalupe GUADALUPE AND SANTA BARBARA – Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County and Guadalupe’s Little House by the Park have merged, effective July 1, 2019. FSA is the legal entity, and…

FSA’s Dorothy Jackson Family Resource Center Relocates

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2019 • Comments Off

Enhanced Facilities Will Support Expanded Services for Lompoc Families LOMPOC — Family Service Agency (FSA) has relocated its Dorothy Jackson Family Resource Center (DJFRC) to 646 North H Street in Lompoc. The new location has larger facilities for its parent and…

Tips for Surviving Summer Break with Your Kids

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2019 • Comments Off

CENTRAL COAST — Summer break is finally here! While some families are ready to let loose, others may feel a sense of unease without the structure and safety that the school day provides. Family Relationship Educators at Family Service Agency…

Family Service Agency photo contest cerebraes ‘The Good Life on the Central Coast’

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2018 • Comments Off

Calling all enthusiast photographers SANTA BARBARA — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County is launching “The Good Life on the Central Coast” Photo Contest for 2018. The contest invites Santa Barbara County residents with a creative spirit to share…