Santa Barbara County Nonprofits Collaborate to Meet Critical Needs of Isolated Seniors During COVID-19

Many of our older community members, particularly those living alone, are not receiving the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic. To address this gap, Lompoc Valley Medical Center has joined several nonprofits in Santa Barbara County to identify isolated seniors and connect them to essential services or critical needs, such as food and medical supplies.

The consortium, led by Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also includes Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, Center for Successful Aging, Community Action Commission, Carpinteria Children’s Project, Community Partners in Caring, Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center, Little House by the Park, Lompoc Valley Community Healthcare Organization, and Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People.

“During California’s stay at home order, older Californians rely on friends and neighbors to help them obtain basic necessities like groceries and prescriptions,” said FSA’s Executive Director, Lisa Brabo. “We are here to help those who might otherwise not have a consistent safety net of support.”

The provision of culturally competent outreach and assistance is a grass-roots effort, community by community. To obtain assistance in Lompoc, call Karen Ortiz at (805) 875-8868.

The project was initiated with an initial funding consortium of the James S. Bower Foundation, Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, and an anonymous donor, and has received additional funding from the Zegar Family Foundation. To make a donation, contact Family Service Agency at (805) 965-1001 x 256 or visit FSAcares.org.

Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) is a nonprofit social service agency that has served the people of Santa Barbara County since 1899. Operating as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center (SMVYFC) in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park (LHP) in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families, and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs. Visit fsacares.org or call (805) 965-1001 for more information.