In 2000, after caring for her own father as he aged and his health failed, entertainment journalist Rona Barrett was inspired to create a 501(c)3 charitable foundation to lend her voice and raise financial support from the community and elsewhere to address the most critical challenges faced by seniors. The Rona Barrett Foundation’s focus has included assisted living, day care centers and other basic needs, particularly for low-income, vulnerable seniors. Rona Barrett’s personal involvement has also provided opportunities for recognition and awareness for critical programs, issues, and policy at the national level and in the communities where our seniors are served.
“Together, we can make it possible for seniors to redefine this phase of their lives, and reinvent themselves so that they can remain contributing members of society.”
– Rona Barrett, Founder of the Rona Barrett Foundation
The foundation currently established The Golden Inn and Village, an affordable independent living community for underserved senior citizens.
The Rona Barrett Foundation has supported 25 programs serving low-income seniors:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Alzheimer’s Disease Research
- Aunt Ann’s Home Care
- Camarillo Hospice
- Cambria Adult Resources Education Support
- Community Action Commission of Santa Barbara County
- Community Partners in Caring
- Dream Foundation
- Friendship Center
- Garden Court
- Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing, Los Angeles
- Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles
- Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara
- Life Chronicles, Inc.
- People Helping People
- San Francisco Senior Center
- Senior & Disabled Services
- Senior Nutrition Program of San Luis Obispo
- Senior Programs of Santa Barbara, Inc.
- Solvang Friendship House
- Solvang Senior Center
- SYV Senior Citizens’ Foundation, Inc.
- Unity Shoppe Building Fund
- Unity Shoppe, Inc.
- Valley Haven