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Friendship Center
Website friendshipcentersb.org
Phone (805) 969-0859
Executive Director: Kathryn Westland, MPH
Mission
Friendship Center provides innovative activities and programs that honor individuality, promote socialization, and foster a compassionate community for aging adults. Caregivers receive respite support and education, enabling them to achieve balance in their lives.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s director of development and/or Executive Director.
A Friend of the Center
“When asked to contribute to what I think Friendship Center is all about, I really didn’t know where to begin. My connection with the Center began in l987.
In a few words, Friendship Center is a beautiful place physically, that provides programs and safe activities for aging adults and much needed respite for their caregivers. It is the most life-affirming, and the most joyous way for aging adults, many with health conditions, like Alzheimer’s to continue to be part of their families and community. The innovative programs and activities are too many to list here, and continue to adapt when new needs arise.. When thinking of what a friend is, we think of kindness, sympathy, empathy, compassion, interest and FUN. The well- trained staff and many volunteers provide all of these to Friendship Center’s members.
On a personal level, I was the social worker at the Center for many years and saw what a difference the community and fellowship at the Center made in the member’s life (their spirit, attitude and sense of fun). and lives of their families. My mother, as aging limited her mobility, attended FC. She always came home with a big smile and feeling happy.
My husband, Steven Gilbar and I continue to support Friendship Center with regular donations, and have included them in our will.”
Take a Tour!
Since its founding in 1976, Friendship Center has been at the heart of Santa Barbara’s community, transforming lives as a 501(c)(3) non-profit licensed by the California Department of Social Services. Friendship Center offers dynamic and supportive day care programs for older and dependent adults navigating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, other forms of dementia, and related conditions. Services also extend to older adults facing physical limitations or social isolation, ensuring they receive the care and companionship they deserve.
What sets us apart is the incredible generosity of our community, which makes it possible for anyone who could benefit from our programs to attend, regardless of their financial situation. Your support is crucial in keeping Santa Barbara a vibrant place where everyone can embrace aging with dignity, beauty, and joy. Join us in this mission and be part of a community where compassion and commitment make a real difference!
Board of Directors
Cynder Sinclair, President
Maggie Mixsell, Secretary
Jeffrey Krutzsch, Treasurer
Zandra Cholmondeley
Marti Correa De Garcia
Jacqueline Duran
Pat Forgery
David Spelberg
Stephen Sharpe
Marcella Simmons
Monica Vidger-Trent
Joe Wheatley
Directors Emeriti
David Borgatello
Nevill Cramer (In Memoriam)
Inge Gatz
Barbara Gutmann
The Rev. George Hall (In Memoriam)
Shirley Mankin (In Memoriam)
Marty Moore
Homer Sheffield, Jr.
Mary Walsh
HONORARY COMMITTEE
Rona Barrett
Jeff Bridges
Thomas and Nancy Crawford
Paul Didier
Vasanti Fithian
Roy Gaskin
Andy Granatelli (In Memoriam)
Sally Hall
Robert Harbaugh, M.D.
Arlene Larsen
Selma Rubin (In Memoriam)
Eva Marie Saint
Naomi Schwartz (In Memoriam)