Cynder Sinclair

Dementia can be daunting for an individual living with dementia, as well as the family. Caregivers often feel at the end of their rope in terms of understanding the changes in their loved one, their own energy level and ability to cope. Friendship Center offers a valuable source of joy for those living with dementia and respite for the caregivers.

A nonprofit board of directors has an important job: providing governance, oversight and strategic leadership while supporting the organization’s chief executive. But when board members begin getting involved in the organization’s day-to-day operations, they can unintentionally undermine the very organization they are trying to help. Micromanagement is a common challenge for some nonprofit organizations.

What do housing, youth activities, mental health, environment, food banks, animals, art, music, healthcare, education, social services and museums have in common? They all depend on the faithful work of more than 2,000 Santa Barbara County nonprofit organizations. People often wonder why we have so many nonprofits in our county. First, the needs are great in our area. Surprisingly, Santa Barbara County has the second-highest child poverty rate in California.