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August 2026

A Letter from the Director

Three years, woohoo!

On July 17th, I celebrated my third anniversary as Executive Director of Friendship Center. Fittingly, it was spent surrounded by longtime friends, new supporters, our remarkable staff and Board, and so many of you at our second annual Summer Polo Soirée. It was a fabulous afternoon and a wonderful reminder of just how much this community believes in our mission. Thank you for making it such a joyful success!

The three-year mark in my role, and almost ninth year of being as part of the Friendship Center family, has me feeling particularly reflective about how I first showed up here. 

When I stepped into this role three years ago, I felt an enormous responsibility not only to preserve Friendship Center's extraordinary legacy, but to earn the trust of a community that has loved this organization for nearly fifty years. I wanted everyone to know just how deeply I cared,  said yes to every opportunity to learn, sought advice from anyone willing to share it, and poured myself wholeheartedly into the work. Those long days and late nights weren't something I resented; in many ways, they were, and still are, some of my most fulfilling days because they're how I've always expressed my commitment.

That commitment hasn’t changed. What has changed,though, is that I'm now beginning to give myself a little more grace.

Many of those seeds were planted years ago through thoughtful mentors, trusted colleagues, and my experiences with the incredible Leading From Within programs. They taught me that healthy organizations aren't led by people who never stop working, but by leaders who build healthy, sustainable ways of working. It has taken me some time, but I'm finally allowing those lessons to grow. The people who encouraged me to find balance weren't trying to make me a better Executive Director. They were trying to help me become a better human being. As it turns out, those two things aren't separate.

For me, balance doesn't necessarily mean less work. Sometimes it looks like singing my heart out during karaoke with our members or maybe it is making the recipe I’ve had saved in my phone for months. Sometimes it's reading a book instead of answering one more email. And recently, it meant signing up for a Monday evening line dancing class. 

Now, I have absolutely no connection to line dancing. None. But I know myself well enough to know that if I've committed to a class that starts at 6:00 p.m., I'll actually leave the office on time. Once I'm there, laughing with friends and meeting new people, I've created something I've been working toward all along: a life that exists alongside my work, not just because of it.

I'm sharing this because I believe leadership means modeling the values we encourage in others. At Friendship Center, we encourage our staff to care for themselves so they can care well for others. Our staff encourage families to do the same. We remind caregivers every day that finding moments of balance isn't selfish: it's essential. I should be willing to practice that, too.

I know many of you reading this are thinking, "That's easier said than done.” and you are correct.We read so much about work-life balance and the importance of self-care, especially for caregivers. But we also know that for family caregivers, balance can feel less like a realistic goal and more like a distant wish. The responsibilities are constant, the emotions are heavy, and there is always one more thing to do.

That’s why I want to draw your attention this month to BALANCE. That one, complex yet rewarding word.

Balance doesn't have to mean taking a week-long vacation. Sometimes it's as simple as  listening to music you haven't heard in years rather than another self-help podcast (love those, though). Or maybe it's walking along the beach for twenty minutes, joining a book club, trying a new class, or saying yes to something that has nothing to do with caregiving.

I promise those moments aren't going to be distractions from the important work you're doing. They're actually what will sustain you so you can continue doing it.

So this month, I'd like to leave you with a small challenge; try to find one thing that belongs only to you. It doesn't have to be line dancing. It simply has to remind you that alongside being a caregiver, a professional, a spouse, a parent, or a volunteer...you are still wonderfully, uniquely yourself. That person deserves your attention, too. Let me know how this goes for you or if you need some ideas, I’ve got plenty.

Yeehaw,

Kathryn Westland

MPH, Executive Director

IN THIS EMAIL YOU WILL FIND...

• Thursday, July 30th - Wednesday, August 26th: Vote Friendship Adult Day Care Center for Best of Senior Care Services (VOTE HERE)
• Friday, July 31st - Friday, August 7th: Fiesta Week at Friendship Center (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE FIESTA WEEK SCHEDULE)
• Wednesday, August 5th: Downtown Santa Barbara Memory Cafe @ 9:00AM
• Friday, August 7th: Fiesta Party! (RSVP HERE)
• Wednesday, August 19th: Coffee for Caregivers @ 9:00AM
• Wednesday, August 19th: Downtown Santa Barbara Memory Cafe @ 9:00AM
• Saturday, August 22nd: Friendship Center at the Pacific Pride Festival (CLICK HERE FOR FESTIVAL INFORMATION)
• Thursday, August 20th: FC closes at 3:00PM for staff training (every 3rd Thursday of the month)

5oth Anniversary Weekend

• Saturday, September 26: Inaugural Community Dementia Care Conference at the Leta Hotel for caregivers, professionals, and those looking to learn more about dementia 8:30 AM -4:00 PM (PURCHASE TICKETS)
• Sunday, September 27: Friendship Center's 1st Family Reunion at Chase Palm Park for all Friendship Center community members 12:00 - 3:00 PM (FREE, RSVP HERE)

August 3, 11:00AM: Fiesta: Timo Nuñez Arte Flamenco

August 4, 9:45AM: Fiesta: Flower Girls

August 4, 2:00PM: Fiesta: Pinata Fun!

August 5, 11:00AM: Fiesta: Timo Nuñez Arte Flamenco

August 5, 11:00AM: Fiesta: Patriana Mexicana

August 6, 2:30PM: Fiesta: Patriana Mexicana

August 7, 11:00AM: Fiesta: Alma de México

August 7, 12:00PM: Fiesta Party!

August 19, 10:00AM: Field Trip to the Grace Fisher Foundation

August 3, 1:00PM: Trudy & Rob

August 17, 10:00AM: Songs for Seniors

August 17, 1:00PM: Trudy & Rob

August 27, 1:00PM: Snapshot Band

August 28, 10:00AM: The Winehounds

Wednesday, August 5: Loteria, No Digas Lo Mismo Que Yo, & Trivia

Monday, August 10: Water Colors

Wednesday, August 12: Chair Exercises & 100 Preguntas Trivia

Monday, August 17: Summer Craft

Wednesday, August 19: Movie Day: "Maria Felix"

Monday, August 24: Sing-A-Long & Travel to Peru

Wednesday, August 26: Summer Craft

Monday, August 31: Movie Day: "Pedro Infante"

Friday, August 7: Art Maze Fun

Tuesday, August 11: Introduction to Seed Plantings

Friday, August 14: Tissue Paper Window Art

Tuesday, August 18: Virtual Trip to Ireland

Friday, August 21: A Day in Making Clay Figures!

Tuesday, August 25: Sun Art Collages

Friday, August 28: Bead Art Class



Thursday, August 6: Fiesta Performance: Patria Mexicana

Tuesday, August 11: Bob Burtness: Not So Well Known California Histories

Thursday, August 13: Susan Mailheau: Harbor Seals of Carpinteria

Tuesday, August 18: Bob Burtness: Not So Well Known California Histories

Thursday, August 20: TBD

Tuesday, August 25: Bob Burtness: Not So Well Known California Histories

Thursday, August 27: TBD



Wednesday, August 5: Spanish Lessons, Old Spanish Days, & a Special Performance from Garcia Dance Group

Wednesday, August 19: U.S.A Monuments, Nature Printing, & Guest Speaker Mia Lopez

Summer Polo Soirée

We're pleased to share that our Summer Polo Soirée and Summer Campaign raised over $75,000 to support our programs. Thank you to all of our generous sponsors, donors, events guests, and Friendship Center community for making this possible!

More July Memories!

What to Expect:

• Learn something new about dementia, brain health, and caregiving that can make a meaningful difference for you and your family.
• Challenge common misconceptions and debunk beliefs you may have heard about dementia.
• Hear from experts and individuals from across the country with lived experience who understand the realities of the dementia journey.
• Take part in activities throughout the day designed to help you relax, recharge, and decompress.
• Enjoy delicious food from CAYA Restaurant, offering a memorable dining experience.
• Walk away with practical lessons and resources you can put into action right away.
• Build new friendships and professional connections with others who share similar experiences and interests.
• Find a supportive community that truly understands what you and your family may be going through.
• Convenient and easy parking, making your day as stress-free as possible.



Join us for a day of learning, connection, inspiration, and support. You'll leave with valuable insights, meaningful relationships, and a renewed sense of community.

Friendship Center in the News

Polo, Prom, & Pals: Friendship Never Grows Old

Friendship Center Honored with Two Proclamations in One Week as Organization Celebrates 50 Years of Service

Friendship Center Marks 50 Years with Fourth of July Celebration, and More News Bytes

Friendship Center Brings 'Horsepower' to 50 Years of Service

St. Francis Foundation Awards $800,000 in Healthcare Grants to 49 Local Organizations

Friendship Center's Summer Polo Soirée Raises More than $75,000 to Support Seniors Living with Dementia

Meet the Team: Ericka, Program Specialist II

For Ericka Rodriguez, every day at Friendship Center brings something new, and that's exactly what she loves about it.

As a Program Specialist II, Ericka provides compassionate care for our members while leading two of Friendship Center's most meaningful community programs: Herencia Latina and Memory Café. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Ericka's warmth, cultural understanding, and genuine connection with others help create welcoming spaces where members and families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Born and raised in Mexico, Ericka moved to Santa Barbara at the age of 14. She attended Santa Barbara High School before continuing her education at Santa Barbara City College. Her passion for caring for others began early in her career, spending more than 20 years as a rehabilitation aide before serving as an Activity Coordinator at Valle Verde for three years. She brought that wealth of experience to Friendship Center, where she continues to make a meaningful difference every day.

One of Ericka's greatest passions is leading Herencia Latina, our culturally tailored Spanish-language social program that celebrates Latino traditions through music, movement, conversation, and meaningful activities. The program is held every Monday and Wednesday morning at Friendship Center's main site, providing a familiar and engaging environment where Spanish-speaking older adults can connect while honoring their heritage.

Ericka also facilitates Memory Café, a free welcoming community gathering held in downtown Santa Barbara on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Designed for adults experiencing memory loss and their care partners, Memory Café offers a place to socialize, create, and build meaningful connections. Friends and family are welcome, and each gathering is led by Ericka and volunteers who foster an inclusive, supportive atmosphere that helps reduce isolation and stigma.

When asked what she enjoys most about working at Friendship Center, Ericka doesn't hesitate: "The members and my coworkers. Every hour is different." It's that variety, combined with the meaningful relationships she builds each day, that makes her work so rewarding.

Outside of Friendship Center, Ericka is the proud mother of two children. She enjoys dancing, riding her road bike, practicing yoga, exploring geography and history, making crafts, and trying new restaurants. Her favorite local spot is Lure Fish House.

Ericka's compassion, energy, and dedication enrich the lives of our members, families, and community every day. We are grateful to have her as part of the Friendship Center family!

CAREGIVER & FAMILY RESOURCES

We've opened availability for FC support groups! All support groups currently have openings for to those supporting a loved one living with dementia. To register, please contact kim@friendshipcentersb.org.

Support Groups held at Friendship Center:

• Every Monday, 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm with Gina Bell (All caregivers)
• 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm with Joe Wheatley (Caregivers of Friendship Center members)
• 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 11:00 am with Jeffrey Krutzsch (All caregivers)
• Every Friday, 10:30am - 11:30 am with Gina Bell (All caregivers)

In Person Support with Estate Planning brought by Melissa Tierney, Real Estate Planner:

• The Easy Button: Family & Real Estate Planning — Tue, Aug 12, 10:30 AM, GranVida, Carpinteria
• Parenting the (Aging) Parent, Vol. 2 — Wed, Aug 12, 4–6 PM, Villa Santa Barbara
• Investor Seminar — Thu, Aug 20, 10:30 AM, Maravilla Santa Barbara
• RSVP HERE TO ATTEND ANY OF THE EVENTS LISTED ABOVE

FREE SENIOR DAY: AUGUST 19, 2026

In Person Support with Estate Planning brought by Melissa Tierney, Real Estate Planner:

• The Easy Button: Family & Real Estate Planning — Tue, Aug 12, 10:30 AM, GranVida, Carpinteria
• Parenting the (Aging) Parent, Vol. 2 — Wed, Aug 12, 4–6 PM, Villa Santa Barbara
• Investor Seminar — Thu, Aug 20, 10:30 AM, Maravilla Santa Barbara
• RSVP HERE TO ATTEND ANY OF THE EVENTS LISTED ABOVE

Virtual Event Offerings for Support:

• Thursday, August 6 1:30 PM PDT: Is it a Scam? By AARP
• Check out ALL the classes offered for FREE by AARP’s SeniorPlanet program HERE
• Wednesday, August 12 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT: Treating Substance Use Disorders and Related Comorbidities in Older Adults
• Tuesday, August 25 @ 11:00 AM (PDT): Medicare Advantage and Part D Special Enrollment Periods
• Wednesday, September 2 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am PDT: Reducing Readmissions: Preventing Setbacks Through Safer Transitions

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• The Distinct Challenges of Living with Young-Onset Dementia

• What the Tests Missed: a Journey Through Misdiagnosis



• Caregiver Tips: How to Care for Someone with Dementia in Hot Weather

• 30 Meaningful Moments - Ideas for Creating Joy with those Living with Dementia

SUPPORTER SPOTLIGHT: Reverend George Hall (9/2/1911 to 3/10/2002) & Sarah "Sally" McKinstry Hall (8/27/1928 to 6/28/26)

For decades, Sally and George Hall were devoted champions of Friendship Center, embracing its mission of caring for older adults and their caregivers with unwavering generosity and conviction. Their connection to Friendship Center ran especially deep through George’s leadership and the Center’s longtime home on the campus of All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Sally and George believed deeply that every older adult deserves to be cared for with dignity, compassion, and respect, and they faithfully championed that vision through their kindness and friendship. Sally and George’s generosity was more than an act of philanthropy–it was a family tradition rooted in compassion. Alongside their family, they faithfully supported Friendship Center and its work, leaving a legacy of kindness and care that will continue to enrich the lives of older adults for generations. Together, Sally and George reminded us that supporting Friendship Center is more than making a gift—it’s becoming a partner in bringing hope, dignity, connection and care not only to those lives served, but also the entire community. We are profoundly grateful for their lives, their friendship, and the enduring example they set of compassion in action.

REMEMBERING OUR FOREVER FRIENDS

Sarah "Sally" McKinstry Hall

August 27, 1928 - June 28, 2026

Obituary

Carol Lee Ashamalla

October 25, 1938 - July 16, 2026

Obituary

Sincere Gratitude to our Friendship Legacy Society Members:

Rick & Heidi Holly; Craig Markson; Mary H.Walsh;

Pat Cramer; James & Jeannette Hudgens; Marty & Dixie Moore; Kathryn Westland;

Michael Dean; Steven Gilbar; Suzanne Retzinger; Joe & Pat Wheatley;

Paul Didier; Karolyn Hanna; Gerrie Shapiro;

Joel & Vasanti Fithian; Kenneth & Francie Jewesson; Pauline Short;

Dennis Forster; Rod Lathim; Cynder Sinclair;

Inge Gatz; Arthur Lindo; Lynda Stuart

Friendship Legacy Society recognizes donors who name the Center in their wills or trusts and those who make planned gifts to the Center. Your support makes it possible for us to provide services for those most in need regardless of their ability to pay. Please let us know if have already named Friendship Center in your estate plans so that we may show our sincere appreciation! By doing so, you help to inspire others to support our work as well.

You can contact Heidi Holly, Legacy liaison, at legacy@friendshipcentersb.org

Tax Identification Number: 95-3398938

Friendship Center | 805-969-0859 | friendshipcentersb.org

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