For more than four decades, Community Friends of Santa Barbara™ has been bringing seniors together for a heartfelt tradition of breaking bread as a community. Our Friendship Luncheon, hosted six times annually, invite older adults to our Chapter House for a delicious, nutritious meal served by dedicated member hostesses. Guests are welcomed with thoughtful seasonal decorations, uplifting entertainment, and the joy of friendly conversation. Simple but powerful experiences like these can ease the deep sense of isolation many seniors face. In fact, recent studies show that social isolation and loneliness can pose serious risks to physical and mental health in older adults. By offering a welcoming space for connection, conversation, and community, our luncheons help meet a growing need.

Each event also includes a private shopping experience in our thrift shop, which opens exclusively for our senior guests. This special access is a highlight for many, offering a relaxed and dignified environment to select clothing and household items. Since the program began in 1980, we’ve proudly hosted over 14,000 seniors, providing not only meals but a continued reminder that they are seen, valued, and supported.

If you or a senior you know would like to attend a Friendship Luncheon, please contact the social coordinator at their care facility for more information.

Bookshelf is a heartwarming collaboration between Community Friends Auxiliary and the Goleta Public Library that brings the joy of reading directly to homebound individuals in our community. Established in 1976, the program serves patrons who are unable to visit the library due to age, illness, or disability. Referrals come from Community Friends Auxiliary, members, library staff, assisted living facilities, and caring individuals throughout the community. Members thoughtfully select and deliver books, DVDs, and audiobooks, providing both access to materials and a meaningful connection.

In support of this vital service, Community Friends of Santa Barbara™ makes an annual donation to the Goleta Public Library. This funding helps expand the library’s collection of large-print books and other resources to meet the specific needs of homebound readers. Together, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone in our community can continue to engage with stories, ideas, and lifelong learning.

If you or someone you know would like to receive an BookShelf bag delivery, please email us at

OperationBookShelf@CFofSB.org.

The TeenServe’s, formerly known as Assisteens®, annual “Faux Prom” at Wood Glen Hall is a cherished tradition that brings together teens and senior residents for an unforgettable evening of joy and connection. This event is entirely funded by Community Friends of Santa Barbara’s youth auxiliary - TeenServe™ who plan and carry out their own fundraising efforts throughout the year. In preparation for the big night, teen members craft corsages and boutonnieres, and receive dance instruction from Santa Barbara Dance Center; including guidance on how to dance safely and respectfully with partners who may have physical limitations. A live “oldtimer” band provides the soundtrack, playing nostalgic favorites that fill the room with energy and warmth. For both the seniors and the teens, Faux Prom is more than a dance…it's a celebration of community, compassion, and shared experience.

If you or a senior you know would like to attend the Faux Prom, please contact the social coordinator at their care facility for more information.