Family Service Agency Continues to Provide Vital Services
As a provider of social services and other necessities for economically disadvantaged individuals, Family Service Agency (FSA) is considered an “essential business” in the state of California. Therefore, FSA, Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center (SMVYFC), and Little House by The Park (LHP) are taking proactive steps to protect staff, clients, and local communities from further spread of COVID-19 while continuing to work with vulnerable members of our community.
“At Family Service Agency, our primary concern is the health and well-being of our community,” said FSA Executive Director, Lisa Brabo. “As we continue to provide essential services, we are making some important changes to operations to ensure the safety of our staff and those we serve. This will be adjusted as necessary in the coming weeks.”
FSA has already suspended all home visits.
Following the change in services passed on the statewide “stay at home” order, we are only conducting in-person meetings at this time in essential situations, such as safety net support and food distribution. Most core services are being provided via telephone/video or in-person All offices are complying with rigorous sanitation practices and maintaining safe distances as outlined by public health officials.
FSA will be providing senior and caregiver mental health support via telehealth, a HIPAA-compliant protocol for interfacing with clients via telephone or video.
With the closure of schools, school-based counselors in Santa Barbara, Lompoc, and Carpinteria are also shifting to telehealth practices to continue to support those children who need mental health counseling.
Anyone needing support services or mental health counseling should call their local FSA office:
- Santa Barbara (805) 965-1001
- Santa Maria (805) 928-1707
- Lompoc (805) 735-4376
- Guadalupe (805) 343-1194
Additionally, all upcoming Nurturing Parenting, Strengthening Families, Within Our/My Reach, and Youth Mental Health First Aid classes scheduled in March and April have been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date.
“In light of the imposed COVID-19 self-quarantines, school closures, and business restrictions, we fully expect the needs for mental health counseling and family support services to increase over the coming weeks,” said Brabo. “FSA is prepared to continue vital services in the safest manner possible and in accordance with public health guidelines.”
Updates to FSA operations will be posted on the FSA website and in social media.
