Family Service Agency

08/05/2026

Friendship is medicine.

Your teenager doesn’t just want to spend time with friends this summer. They need to.

Research shows that strong friendships during the teen and tween years are linked to less anxiety and depression, greater self-worth, and better outcomes well into adulthood. Healthy connections during these years are the building blocks for healthy relationships later in life.

This summer, look for ways to help your child stay socially engaged:
→ Camps, community programs, or summer classes
→ Volunteering or a part-time job for older teens
→ Even a simple backyard hangout counts

You don’t have to engineer it, just make room.

Visit tr.ee/FSASummerMHPlaybook to download the full FSA Summer Mental Health Playbook!

To learn more or connect with FSA services, visit fsacares.org or call (805) 842-5148

07/31/2026

Join us for the 35th Annual Senior Expo of Santa Barbara!

📅 Wednesday, October 14, 2026
⏰ 9 AM to 12 PM
📍 Earl Warren Showgrounds
🎟️ Admission: $5

For 35 years, the Senior Expo has connected older adults, caregivers, and families with trusted local resources, services, health screenings, educational information, activities, and organizations dedicated to healthy aging.

Are you an organization or business that serves older adults or caregivers? Booths are still available! With more than 1,000 attendees expected, the Senior Expo is a great opportunity to connect with the community and showcase your services.

Visit give.fsacares.org/SeniorExpo to register. Space is limited, so don't wait to reserve your booth!

Providing Hope, Strength, and Stability to children, families, and seniors in Santa Barbara County.

07/29/2026

Structure is a gift, not a buzzkill.

Summer freedom is real, and kids need it. But here’s something worth knowing: kids also need some structure, even in July.

Without the rhythm of school, sleep schedules slip, mealtimes get scattered, and boredom turns into anxiety faster than most parents expect. A little predictability goes a long way.

You don’t need a minute-by-minute schedule. Try this instead:
→ Consistent wake and bedtimes (even relaxed ones)
→ Regular mealtimes (bonus points for eating together)
→ A simple weekly calendar they can see

Structure isn’t the opposite of summer fun, it makes the fun sustainable.

Visit tr.ee/FSASummerMHPlaybook to download the full FSA Summer Mental Health Playbook!

To learn more or connect with FSA services, visit fsacares.org or call (805) 842-5148

07/24/2026

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the FSA booth at the Santa Maria Valley Senior Expo! It was a pleasure connecting with older adults, caregivers, and community members while sharing resources to help support healthy, independent aging.

Our Senior Services team is here to help seniors and caregivers navigate life's challenges by connecting them with community resources, providing personalized case management, caregiver support, and evidence-based programs that promote well-being and independence.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, we're here to help. Learn more at fsacares.org/senior-services or call (805) 842-5148 to get connected.

07/22/2026

Summer isn’t always as carefree as it looks.

Summer is here, and for a lot of kids, that’s genuinely great news.

But for many parents, this time of year also brings a quieter worry: Is my child doing okay?

Without the rhythm of school, some kids thrive. Others struggle with boredom, loneliness, or anxiety they don’t quite have words for yet.

The good news? There’s a lot you can do to help, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

This summer, we’re sharing 10 simple, research-backed ways to support your child’s mental health. Save this series, share it with a parent you know, and know that FSA is always here if you need more than tips.

Visit tr.ee/FSASummerMHPlaybook to download the full FSA Summer Mental Health Playbook!

To learn more or connect with FSA services, visit fsacares.org or call (805) 842-5148

Promoting hope, strength and stability to children, families and seniors.

06/26/2026

You don't have to be a mental health professional to make a difference.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a certification training for adults (18+) that provides practical tools to recognize when a young person may be struggling, respond with confidence, and help connect them to appropriate support.

Join us for this FREE virtual training:

📅 July 11
🕘 9:00 AM–2:30 PM (Zoom)

During the training, you'll learn how to:
• Identify warning signs of mental health and substance use challenges
• Offer reassurance and support
• Guide youth toward appropriate professional help

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, coach, mentor, or community member, the skills you learn can help you support the young people in your life.

Register today at wkf.ms/42jLDN0

06/09/2026

Summer can bring more free time, but for some young people it can also mean less structure, fewer social connections, and increased feelings of isolation.

When school is out, changes in routine can affect sleep, mood, motivation, and overall emotional well-being. Checking in regularly, encouraging healthy activities, and helping youth stay connected to supportive people can make a meaningful difference.

Mental health support isn't just important during the school year. Paying attention to emotional wellness throughout the summer can help young people feel supported, connected, and prepared for the months ahead.

FSA provides counseling, family support services, parenting programs, and behavioral health services for children, teens, and families throughout Santa Barbara County.

Learn more at fsacares.org

06/05/2026

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

At Family Service Agency, we recognize the importance of safe, affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families and remain committed to advancing mental health and well-being for all!

05/29/2026

Mental health challenges rarely affect just one person. They can impact the entire family. Stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and communication struggles can affect relationships at home and make daily life feel overwhelming for everyone involved.

The good news is that support, connection, and early intervention can make a meaningful difference. Open conversations and access to mental health resources can help families feel more supported, connected, and resilient together.

FSA provides counseling, family support services, parenting workshops, and school-based mental health services to help children, teens, caregivers, and families thrive throughout Santa Barbara County.

Learn more at fsacares.org

05/28/2026

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is listen. 💚

When young people feel heard, supported, and safe to talk about what they’re experiencing, it can make a meaningful difference in their mental health and wellbeing. Simple moments of connection like checking in, listening without judgment, and reminding someone they’re not alone matter.

At FSA, we’re committed to supporting children, teens, and families through counseling, behavioral health services, and mental health support throughout Santa Barbara County.

Looking for support for yourself or a loved one? Call FSA’s Mental Health Navigator at 805-965-1001 ext. 4228.