Rona Barrett Foundation’s 25th Anniversary
Society Invites is most pleased to report that Rona Barrett is celebrating the 25th anniversary of her foundation to help seniors. Founded in 2000, the Rona Barrett Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide affordable and dignified housing and care for seniors aged 62 and older.
With that, she established first the Golden Inn & Village, followed by Harry’s House, named after her dad. Both are located in Santa Ynez and have served the state of California as a model for senior housing and design, and by setting a precedent nationwide for low-income senior housing.
Having interviewed Barrett exclusively for this column in 2022, and for the grand opening of Harry’s House in 2023, I can say firsthand, she is a rock for seniors in need and for their families seeking a respectable solution for housing and care.
The anniversary of her foundation was celebrated privately on Wednesday, June 18, at the Golden Inn property with Barrett, Foundation Executive Director Tony Morris, Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara Executive Director Bob Havlicek, Rona Barrett Foundation board members and staff, the residents of the Golden Inn & Village and Harry’s House, and select invited guests.
Barrett shared at the presentation, “Despite my successful career in Hollywood, being an advocate for seniors-in-need is the most important work that I’ve ever done. Envisioning and building the Golden Inn & Village and Harry’s House affordable housing campus for low-income seniors was paramount. However, it’s not enough to just put a roof over their heads, seniors need social and health-centric programs and services as well. Our nonprofit strives to make that happen.”
Morris added, “Thanks to Rona’s unrelenting drive, determination, and good old-fashioned chutzpah, she has made her vision of an affordable housing complex for seniors a reality. Such an accomplishment certainly deserves to be celebrated and what better way to do so than on the 25th anniversary of the Rona Barrett Foundation. Our nonprofit’s mission continues as we look to enhance the programs and services that we provide for our senior residents.”
At the celebration, the roundabout and private roadway that circles the entire affordable senior housing complex was officially designated as the Rona Barrett Circle, and its monument was unveiled by the board.
Also celebrated at the event was longtime Board of Trustees member Steven Reden, who was honored for his volunteer service of more than 15 years. Presenting his award was Board Chairperson Cynthia Manigault.
Seen at the event were Janelle Parsons, Chris Tucker, Roger Davis, Jane Ayer, Dr. Lisa Clement, Vicki Wedmore, Phylene Wiggins, and Roger Battistone.
You might also be interested in...
You must be logged in to post a comment.