FSA In The News
Critical Need for Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers Throughout Santa Barbara County
Family Service Agency operates the state-mandated Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and seeks to double the number of volunteers in 2021. Today, there are just seven volunteer Ombudsman Representatives who work alongside staff to serve close to 5,000 residents in 133 long-term care facilities throughout Santa Barbara County.
Helping Youth with Mental Health Issues
The popular course that teaches participants how to support youth struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem is now available online. Parents, teachers, and others in Santa Barbara County who work with youth ages 12-18 are encouraged to “be the difference” for local youth by participating in a free, upcoming training.
FSA Provides COVID Relief
Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) has assumed vital roles in ensuring that the county’s most vulnerable residents — seniors, farmworkers, and other low-income residents — receive the assistance they need during the pandemic.
National Family Caregivers Month
Because November is National Family Caregivers Month, Cynder Sinclair invited three local providers to highlight their services, challenges and rewards.
Teressa Johnes Appointed to FSA Board of Directors
Family Service Agency is pleased to announce the appointment of Teressa Johnes to its Board of Directors. Johnes has worked for local community service organizations since 1998. Johnes held previous positions at First 5 Santa Barbara County and CommUnify, and has served on many local and state committees.
Seniors getting flu shots after Senior Expo event is cancelled
With the annual Senior Expo cancelled, an outreach effort is bringing the influenza shots to over 400 seniors in and around Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara County joins program to house agricultural workers exposed to COVID-19
Family Service Agency is working with Santa Barbara County to provide other services for the Housing for the Harvest program like meals, wellness checks and in-language assistance.
Michael & Marni Cooney Named Outstanding Couple in Service by Santa Barbara Foundation
The Santa Barbara Foundation will present Michael and Marni Cooney with a new award — the Outstanding Couple In Service Award — in recognition of their combined philanthropic impact in the Santa Barbara.
Workshop Gives Parents Insight Into Youth Culture And Gang Activity
Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County hosted a Youth Culture and Gang Activity in Lompoc, a virtual workshop to help parents understand more about gangs in the Lompoc community and what they can do if they suspect their child is involved with one.
2020 Census Car Caravan makes its way through Guadalupe
A caravan for the 2020 US Census made its way through the streets of Guadalupe on Saturday. The caravan was led by The Little House By The Park and the Guadalupe Community Changers.
Family Service Agency Leader Offers Insight Into COVID-19 Cases
Steven DeLira says ‘cultural values’ and dedication to family often lead to official guidance not being followed.
Parent Coaching Program Helps Families Overcome COVID Challenges
When the pandemic hit, FSA had to cancel its upcoming parenting and healthy relationship classes, even though it knew that families would be facing unique challenges during the stay-at-home order.
Santa Barbara Works to Prevent Teen Suicides in the Pandemic
Our School Services Supervisor, Carol Morgan, says that the best way an adult can handle a teen they believe is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts is to directly confront them about the behaviors they have noticed in a nonjudgmental and supportive way.
Individuals, families assisted through COVID-19 joint response
Read more in the Santa Ynez Valley Star…
United Way is working in partnership with Family Service Agency to distribute individual assistance grants to individuals and families in need on a rolling basis for as long as funds are available.
Local Mental Health Nonprofits Helping with COVID-19-Related Stress
Family Service Agency is providing mental health counseling during the pandemic through telehealth, interfacing with clients via phone or teleconferencing with the consent of clients/parents/guardians. FSA is adhering to standard HIPAA guidelines and using only HIPAA-compliant platforms for providing telehealth.