Area Agency on Aging

The Department of Social Services, managed by the government of Santa Barbara, Calif., assists the residents in becoming productive and self-sufficient contributors to the well-being of the community. It offers foster care, adult protection, food assistance and in-home supportive services. The Department of Social Services also provides child welfare services that assess and investigate allegations of child abuse and neglect; offer court-ordered services to families to ensure children safety in homes; and arrange for new homes for children. Its adult services division responds to reports of neglect or abuse of older and disabled adults. The department s in-home supportive services program provides assistance to low-income and visually-impaired people. The Department of Social Services additionally operates a general relief program that offers short-term loans to people without children.

Founded in 1908, St. Barnabas Senior Center is an independent, nonprofit agency that offers a range of support and care services for senior citizens. It provides food and transportation solutions. The agency offers advocacy services to more than 90 people everyday. It also provides computer access, counseling, medical monitoring, translation, grocery shopping and delivery, and case and money management solutions. The agency offers home-delivered meals, as well as serves senior citizens suffering from Alzheimer s disease and chronic illnesses. In addition, it provides occupational and physical therapy services. The agency conducts a variety of socialization and recreational activities, as well as offers exercise classes. St. Barnabas Senior Center provides the Increasing Stability Through Evaluation and Practice program.