In the realm of providing dignified care for older adults and those living with dementia, every act of support carries profound significance. From the tender moments of companionship to the practical assistance that eases their daily lives, each gesture creates ripples of positive impact. One such obvious, maybe even too obvious, yet crucial way to make a difference is by…
Written by Cyder Sinclair, Board President of Friendship Center After an extensive search for a candidate to follow beloved leader Heidi Holly, who served for 38 years, Friendship Center Board of Directors is proud to announce its selection of Kathryn Westland. Westland brings extensive experience, focused passion, and innovative vision to her work in the senior care space. She previously served as the Friendship…
Every year, Friendship Center raises money for HEART (Helping Elders At Risk Today) to benefit low to moderate income members attending the Center. This year’s theme was Kentucky Derby! This pre-Valentine’s Day event featured a delectable sit-down lunch, live music by Strada Swing, and the display of works by local “heart-ists.” The live auction featured amazing packages such as an in-town…
Friendship Center is hosting its 24th Annual Festival of Hearts, 12-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 at Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort. The pre-Valentine’s Day event features a sit-down lunch including wine, a no host bar, and live music by Strada Swing, a jazz swing band with a French twist. Participants are urged to dress in their favorite Derby attire —…
Friendship Center was proud to honor the veterans we serve with another wonderful celebration on Thursday, November 10th, from 12-1:30pm. Fabulous weather, delicious food and drink, a great emcee, and live singing all added to the joyful occasion. “At Friendship Center we celebrate and honor our Veterans who sacrificed so much for us and our Country.” said Heidi Holly,…
by Jean Hall, Administrative Lead Paloma Espino and Steven Sharpe have been elected to the Board of Directors for Friendship Center, and Cynder Sinclair has been elected board president for the 2022-23 term. Paloma Espino is the current administrator for Sarah House, a local nonprofit that provides end-of-life care for community members. She said there are many lessons to be…
Friendship Center has faithfully served our senior members through every transition we have experienced together, including these past few years in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the desire to decrease isolation and increase our members’ engagement with their community and peers, Friendship Center has reimagined focus on LEAP (Life Enrichment Activity Program). LEAP delivers EXACTLY what health professionals recommended for seniors…
The past few months have not just been blooming, but metamorphosing at Friendship Center! In March 2022, the Assistance League of Santa Barbara® teamed up with Friendship Center to transform our Sweet Pea Patio garden into an environment designed to raise and release monarch butterflies. It was quite the process; from getting the proper enclosures, to selecting plants that…
Friendship Center in collaboration with VNA Health were proud to host a very special Veterans Pinning Ceremony on Thursday April 7th. This event honored and recognized 14 veterans, 11 of whom are currently members at the Center. Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy were all represented by our veterans who fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq/Afghanistan conflicts. We…
By Sophia Davis, Development Director Every year, Friendship Center raises money for HEART (Helping Elders At Risk Today) to benefit low to moderate income members attending the Center. This year’s theme was “What’s Your Superpower?” Sophia Davis, Director of Development, describes her role in creating Festival of Hearts as “weaving the creative theme into a functioning event, and developing…
