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In This Issue... Friendship Adult Day Care Center United Way: Lending a Helping Hand
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Over 150 supporters of United Way of Santa Barbara County(UWSBC) gathered for the annual Holiday Bash on Wednesday, December 6th, to celebrate the successes of the 2006-2007 campaign and enjoy an evening of holiday cheer with other community leaders. The festive evening was held at Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort, and the program began with an engaging performance by "The Killer S#arps," high school age jazz performers in retro zoot suits. The enthusiasm continued as Annual Community Campaign Chair, Jim Armstrong, together with Deputy Campaign Chair, Brian Sarvis, and United Way’s Steve Ortiz recognized and awarded some of the key supporters of United Way. Bank of America Senior Vice President David Prichard was recognized for his phenomenal presence as a Leadership Circle supporter of UWSBC. AGIA Insurance was honored with the “Outstanding Campaign Committee Award” and L-3 Communications MariPro Inc. was recognized for having an “Outstanding Employee Campaign.” Kathie Organ was acknowledged for her exemplary leadership of Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara’s employee campaign. Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara was honored once again for its “Outstanding Non-Profit Campaign.” With increased totals of over $7000, UPS set the stage for this year’s campaign with “Outstanding Pacesetter Campaign.” Santa Barbara Bank and Trust were honored with the “Outstanding Corporate Gift” for their continued generosity and support of UWSBC. Raising over $265,000 (and still counting) the County of Santa Barbara had this year’s “Largest Employee Campaign.” Finally, the awards ended with a number of Power of Partnership™ Honorable Mentions which included: Business First National Bank, Nordstrom, Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort, Montecito Bank and Trust, Venoco, Inc., and Santa Barbara City College. Jim Armstrong and Brian Sarvis unveiled the 2006-2007 campaign results to date – celebrating that over 59% of the $2,630,000 goal has already been reached! With more than $1,551,069 currently in and with more workplace campaigns to run, hopes are high that the campaign goal will be reached again this year. United Way's Community Campaign kicked off at the Day of Caring on September 16, 2006 and will culminate in the Annual Awards Celebration on May 2, 2007 at the Four Seasons Biltmore.
The Friendship Adult Day Care Center is more than just a place for seniors of the community to gather—it’s a safe harbor. For more than 35 seniors per day, it is an escape from daily life, allowing seniors to participate in activities ranging from yoga and gardening to meeting with children in local schools. Whether it’s getting away from the hubbub at home or a chance to leave a nursing home for the day, those who attend agree—it’s a well-deserved treat. In operation for over 30 years, the Friendship Center is located just steps away from Miramar Beach in Montecito and tailors most of its services to seniors who are in the beginning to middle stages of dementia. The amazing part of this center for adults is that out of all the seniors that attend, only about 20 percent pay the full $86 a day that it costs. The others, who are low-income attendees, are subsidized and funded through other organizations such as United Way of Santa Barbara County, allowing these seniors an opportunity that they might otherwise miss. The warm, calming atmosphere provides a safe and gentle place for the community of seniors in Santa Barbara County—a community too commonly overlooked.
Sara transferred from her job in Texas to a similar position in Santa Barbara at a branch office. A year before her eldest daughter’s husband was reassigned to a military base near Santa Barbara and Sara wanted to be closer to her grandchildren. Sara, a single mom with two children, transferred from her job in Texas to a similar position in Santa Barbara to be closer to her older married daughter's grandchildren. Little did Sara realize that she was moving to one of the most expensive areas of the country. The cost of living was more than Sara expected, and she needed to work as many hours as she could to support her family. She also had to find after school care or baby sitting arrangements quickly. Sara was informed about Isla Vista Youth Projects. The Isla Vista Youth Projects (IVYP), is a community partner of United Way. The IVYP provides after school/summer enrichment programs to school-age children. IVYP features daily homework assistance, tutorial enrichment and recreational activities after school during the school year and full day during the summer. As Sara says in her own words, “I pay $80 a month per child. Without their help, I would not be able to afford after school care, or work the hours I do to support my family. They are truly dedicated to my children in helping them be the best they can be. Kristen Reed, the Director of the After School Program, still checks on all the families IVYP supports even though she is fighting her on personal life-threading battle with cancer. ” Sara’s son participates in basketball at Santa Barbara’s Boys and Girls Club, another United Way of Santa Barbara community partner that now is an important part of Sara’s family. “There are many volunteers to help keep the cost of playing on a basketball team down. I have to pay $70 a season for my son. This is something he tremendously enjoys and my daughter and I love supporting him at his games. The volunteers are so supportive of the boys and girls." Sara is successful at raising two children in one of the most expensive cost of living counties in California. She believes that United Way of Santa Barbara County funds many programs that help families live better, more successful lives.
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