Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
Points to look into
- Raising each dollar of donations cost 56 cents.
These come from the organization's own tax return. There may be a good explanation; ask the charity.
What it says it does
THE MISSION OF FAMILY SERVICE AGENCY IS TO STRENGTHEN AND ADVOCATE FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS OF ALL AGES AND DIVERSITIES, HELPING TO CREATE AND PRESERVE A HEALTHY COMMUNITY.
- Income
- $16.8 million
- Spending
- $17.4 million
- Spent on programs
- 86%
- Reserves
- 1.2 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 89%
- Employees
- 151
- Volunteers
- 46
- Highest pay
- $241,448, chief executive officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Weak: 44 out of 100. Higher than 16% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.2 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 25% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 10% on the year before.
Spending floor
0 of 1586% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 56 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2516 of 17 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $4.9 million spent. FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS - THE FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM HELPS PARENTS BECOME BETTER EQUIPPED SO THEY CAN BUILD HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENTS AND OVERCOME MAJOR SOURCES OF STRESS. FAMILIES IN THE AGENCY'S PROGRAM GET THE HELP THEY NEED TO BECOME STRONGER, HAPPIER, HEALTHIER AND MOVE THEIR CHILDREN ON A PATH TOWARD A BRIGHTER FUTURE. THE AGENCY GUIDE PARENTS THROUGH THE PROCESS OF BUILDING A HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENT SO THAT CHILDREN WILL THRIVE. THROUGH CASE MANAGEMENT THE AGENCY LEARN WHAT BARRIERS PARENTS ARE EXPERIENCING AND CONNECT THEM TO LOCAL RESOURCES SUCH AS HEALTHCARE, FOOD, SHELTER, CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION, THE AGENCY HELP FAMILIES OVERCOME CHALLENGES AND ACHIEVE A STRONGER FAMILY. RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION, FATHERHOOD EDUCATION AND PARENTING CLASSES GIVE PARENTS THE SKILLS TO PROMOTE A HOME LIFE THAT IS BENEFICIAL TO ALL MEMBERS. THROUGH THE AGENCY'S INFANT AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING SERVICES, THE AGENCY PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN THE HOME IN THE FORM OF EDUCATION, DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS, AND REFERRALS. THE AGENCY PROVIDE SERVICES ON SCHOOL CAMPUSES, AT COMMUNITY CENTERS AND IN FAMILIES' HOMES.COMMUNITY CHANGERS LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - OPERATING IN GUADALUPE AND LOMPOC, COMMUNITY CHANGERS IS A PARENT-LED EFFORT THAT SUPPORTS THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS, ENCOURAGES PARENTS TO BE MORE ENGAGED IN THEIR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION, AND OFFERS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE CIVIC PARTICIPATION. THE PRIMARY GOAL IS TO ENHANCE EDUCATIONAL AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS IN THE COMMUNITY AND OFFER ACCESS TO CONCRETE SUPPORTS AND SOCIAL CONNECTIONS TO THAT PARENTS ARE PREPARED AND AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT THEIR CHILDREN.
- $2.7 million spent. SENIOR MENTAL HEALTH - HAND-IN-HAND WITH DELIVERING BASIC NEEDS TO SENIORS, THE AGENCY IS ENSURING THAT THEY HAVE THE SUPPORT TO HELP THEM THROUGH THE MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES THAT CAN COME WITH AGING. THE AGENCY COUNSELING WITH SENIORS CAN BE INDIVIDUAL, GROUP AND/OR FAMILY FOCUSED, AND THE COUNSELING RELIES ON DIRECT, SOLUTION-ORIENTED TREATMENT STRATEGIES WITH WELL-DEFINED GOALS. THE AGENCY EMPHASIZE THE CLIENT'S STRENGTHS AND POTENTIAL FOR POSITIVE OUTCOMES. THE MAJORITY OF THE AGENCY'S SENIOR MENTAL HEALTH CLIENTS ARE INDIVIDUALS WITH GREAT ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL NEED.CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES - THE SENIOR POPULATION REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT CARE AND ATTENTION. THOSE CARING FOR THEM OFTEN NEED SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT FOR THEIR OWN EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING. THE CAREGIVER MENTAL HEALTH AND SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM PROVIDES DIRECT INTERVENTION AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO THOSE WHO ARE ACTIVELY CARING FOR FAMILY MEMBERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, INCLUDING SENIORS OR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH DISABILITIES.LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN SERVICES - THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM IS TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS MADE BY, OR ON BEHALF OF, RESIDENTS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. THESE FACILITIES INCLUDE NURSING HOMES, RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY (ALSO KNOWN AS BOARD AND CARE HOMES), AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. OMBUDSMAN ADVOCATES FOR IMPROVEMENT IN RESIDENT CARE AND WORK TO IMPROVE RESIDENT QUALITY OF LIFE.CASE MANAGEMENT - CASE MANAGERS PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO SENIORS (AGES 60+) TO HELP THEM RE-STABILIZE THEIR LIVES. ASSISTANCE INCLUDES A THROUGH NEEDS ASSESSMENTS, DEVELOPING A PLAN OF ACTION, REFERRAL LINKAGE AND FOLLOW UP, AND ONGOING SUPPORT UNTIL A QUALITY OF LIFE IS ACHIEVED.PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE ACTIVE, REWARDING LIVES (PEARLS) - MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING ARE CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF LEADING A FULFILLING AND PRODUCTIVE LIFE. HOWEVER, MANY OLDER ADULTS EXPERIENCE DEPRESSION OR LONELINESS AND FIND IT DIFFICULT TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES. PEARLS IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED COACHING PROGRAM THAT TEACHES SKILLS TO MANAGE DIFFICULT FEELINGS AND IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE, EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO THRIVE. THE PROGRAM OFFERS SIGNIFICANT BENEFITS, INCLUDING IMPROVED EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING, REDUCED SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION, ENHANCED PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS, AND INCREASED SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT.
- $7.3 million spent. SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELING - THE AGENCY'S SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELING PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE ON-SITE AT MANY K-12 SCHOOL CAMPUSES IN LOMPOC, SANTA MARIA, SANTA BARBARA, CARPINTERIA, AND GUADALUPE. SCHOOLS ARE A CONVENIENT, FAMILIAR AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND OFTEN TIMES COUNSELING IS PROVIDED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, WHICH REDUCES BARRIERS TO SERVICE. THE AGENCY'S THERAPISTS DELIVER COUNSELING, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSE SERVICES, ALL PROVEN TO DECREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS WHILE IMPROVING ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE. THERAPISTS ALSO CONNECT STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH OTHER COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE TO MEET THEIR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLNESS NEEDS. IN ADDITION, THERAPISTS SUPPORT SCHOOL STAFF IN THEIR INTERACTIONS WITH STUDENTS AND FAMILIES.CARPINTERIA START PROGRAM - THE START PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE ON-SITE AT SEVEN K-12 SCHOOL CAMPUSES IN CARPINTERIA. THE PROGRAM IS COMPRISED OF THERAPISTS WHO WORK TO IMPROVE THE ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND OVERALL QUALITY OF LIFE OF AT-RISK CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES. THE THERAPISTS PROVIDE COUNSELING, CRISIS INTERVENTION, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND REFERRALS, AND THEY HELP ENSURE CASE COLLABORATION WITH COMMUNITY-BASED AGENCIES.INTENSIVE IN-SCHOOL COUNSELING - THE INTENSIVE IN-SCHOOL ("IIS") COUNSELING PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS REQUIRING SPECIAL EDUCATION SUPPORT DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS IN THE SCHOOL SETTING. THE AGENCY'S IIS STAFF MEMBERS ARE LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS WHO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN TEAM TO ESTABLISH AND PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING, FAMILY COUNSELING, GROUP COUNSELING AND PARENT EDUCATION TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES FACED WITH SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS. THE AGENCY'S TEAM WORKS WITH STUDENTS AGES 5-19 WITH THE GOALS OF KEEPING STUDENTS IN SCHOOL, LIVING AT HOME, AND STAYING INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY.SCHOOL OUTREACH MENTORS - THE AGENCY'S OUTREACH MENTORS PROGRAM OFFERS SHORT-TERM, SCHOOL-BASED SUPPORT TO YOUTH AND PARENTS ON ALL K-8 CAMPUSES IN THE SANTA MARIA-BONITA SCHOOL DISTRICT. THIS PROGRAM PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH SUPPORT, EDUCATION, AND ADVOCACY TO PREVENT PROBLEMS SUCH AS ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE; LINKS STUDENTS AND PARENTS TO BASIC-NEEDS RESOURCES; AND ORGANIZES EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS AND CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS (E.G., TOO GOOD FOR DRUGS AND THE BULLY-PROOF KIT) TO HELP STUDENTS WITH DECISION MAKING AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION. CHILDREN LEARN TO CREATE LASTING BONDS, INCREASE SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND IMPROVE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.CHILD AND FAMILY COUNSELING - CHILD AND FAMILY COUNSELING PROGRAMS PROVIDE ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE AND EFFECTIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO ALL GENERATIONS WITHIN A FAMILY. THE AGENCY'S MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DELIVER THE EXPERTISE NECESSARY TO EFFECT POSITIVE, LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENT, IN A SAFE, COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT. THE AGENCY'S MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS SPECIALIZE IN EARLY-CHILDHOOD ISSUES THAT IMPEDE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS. THE SERVICES ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS OF LOW-INCOME AND AT-RISK CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.CLINIC-BASED MEDI-CAL COUNSELING - THE CLINIC-BASED MEDI-CAL COUNSELING PROGRAM PROVIDES THERAPY SERVICES TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH MEDI-CAL INSURANCE, AND ADDRESSES A WIDE VARIETY OF EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOR DISORDERS SUCH AS ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER, POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, AS WELL AS OTHER BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS. CLIENTS ARE PROVIDED INDIVIDUAL AND/OR FAMILY THERAPY SESSIONS TO INCREASE COPING SKILLS AND RESILIENCY, UTILIZING EVIDENCE-BASED AND EVIDENCE-INFORMED MODALITIES.INTENSIVE IN-HOME THERAPY - THE AGENCY'S IN-HOME THERAPY TEAM IS SPECIALLY TRAINED IN A WIDE RANGE OF NON-TRADITIONAL COUNSELING PRACTICES SPECIFICALLY EFFECTIVE WITH FAMILIES FACING DIFFICULT ISSUES SUCH AS SUBSTANCE ABUSE, NEGLECT AND GANG ACTIVITY. THE GOAL IS TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS PROBLEMS, STABILIZE THE FAMILY, AND PREVENT CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS FROM BEING PLACED INTO FOSTER CARE OR THE JUVENILE DETENTION SYSTEM.THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE PATHWAYS - THIS HOME-BASED MODEL OF INTENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IS DESIGNED TO HELP A CHILD AND THEIR FOSTER FAMILY TO SOLVE PROBLEMS IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT. THE PROGRAM STAFF SEEK TO DEVELOP, SUPPORT, AND EMPOWER FAMILY UNITS BY IDENTIFYING STRENGTHS AND NEEDS AND TEACHING PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS. SERVICES ARE AIMED AT PREVENTING FURTHER INCIDENTS OF BEHAVIORAL, EMOTIONAL, AND/OR SOCIAL DISTURBANCE THAT MAY LEAD TO REMOVAL FROM THE FOSTER HOME OR OUT-OF-COUNTY PLACEMENT.YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID - CLASSES ARE PROVIDED FOR ADULTS (PARENTS, EDUCATORS, PROFESSIONALS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS) ON MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID FOR YOUTH. THIS INCLUDES RECOGNIZING SIGNS OF MENTAL DISTRESS, FOLLOWING STRATEGIES FOR LISTENING AND COMMUNICATING, AND IDENTIFYING WAYS TO PROVIDE HELP TO STRUGGLING YOUTH.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 1937.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.