Discover Wood Glen: Santa Barbara’s First Non-Profit Senior Living Community | Good for Santa Barbara
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Explore our Giving Guide to discover and support the incredible organizations making a real impact right here in our community. Whether it’s a single donation or multiple, your contribution can help make a difference this holiday season.
In this interview Noozhawk spoke with Holly Walling at Wood Glen Senior Living, to learn more about the nonprofit retirement community.
Wood Glen Senior Living
Question: What is the name of your nonprofit, and what is its mission?
Answer: Wood Glen Senior Living is a local non-profit dedicated to operating a welcoming, tranquil, and compassionate environment with dedicated staff who ensure quality care and support services for independent and assisted living.
Q: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?
A: Wood Glen, the first senior living community in Santa Barbara, has been serving seniors since November 3, 1957! It was founded by Adrian “Buddy” Wood and Aileen Wood. (After Adrian’s passing, Aileen married Pierre Claeyssens; their legacy lives on today in the Wood-Claeyssens Foundation).
Q: What motivated the creation of your nonprofit?
A: After the end of World War II, the need to provide for the growing population of senior citizens became evident. Having the elderly live with their children and grandchildren was becoming less feasible as the children moved away to obtain employment. Housing for seniors had become more expensive. At a national conference on the problems of the aging, in 1951, the late California governor Earl Warren stated that the goal was “to see that our senior citizens may live through their later years in dignity, security and usefulness.”
Responding to this call, the Woods spent three years studying ways they might help. They decided after consulting with gerontologists to establish a new type of community here in Santa Barbara where seniors could reside comfortably at reasonable cost.
Q: What types of events or programs do you run to engage your community and raise funds?
A: Earlier this year, Wood Glen hosted a Casino Night, which was a huge success. We intend to continue and expand upon this paradigm as one avenue of fundraising.
Q: How is your team structured? Have there been any major changes in your operations since you started?
A: Wood Glen is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors; a passionate group of individuals who have seen the value of Wood Glen’s services first hand and believe in its mission. The staff of Wood Glen, from Executive Director to Lead Team to ALL staff, are a dedicated team devoted to providing quality service to our residents. Many staff members have served here more than a decade, or even two!
Q: What sets your nonprofit apart from similar organizations?
A: Being a LOCAL, NON-PROFIT senior living community is very unique in and of itself. This structure allows us to keep our rates very reasonable, as well as to provide very personalized service to our residents! Management is actively engaged in the daily life and vibrancy of the community.
Q: Can you share a fun fact or little-known detail about your nonprofit that would surprise people?
A: Mr. Wood purchased the four+ acres (on which to build Wood Glen) out of his own pocket for $36,000. The property had been part of Willowbrook Farm, a dairy farm that extended from Alamar to Laurel Canyon Road and north into the mountains. The farm dated back to before 1924. Milk, butter and eggs were purchased directly from the Joe Corberlti family, owners of the farm. It ceased operation during World War II.
Q: Could you share a story or two about individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by your organization?
A: I have heard directly from hundreds of families expressing their gratitude to Wood Glen, for the vibrancy and quality of life that their loved ones have enjoyed here, as well as the compassionate care they have received when the need became evident.
Q: How do you share your nonprofit’s impact and updates with the public?
A: Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for our latest news!
Q: Is there anything important or unique about your nonprofit that we haven’t covered yet?
A: Residents love the homey, intimate feel of Wood Glen, as well as that it is single-story with plentiful lush gardens and a walking path! There is a wonderful balance of privacy and community that supports residents in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
Click here to support Wood Glen Senior Living’s mission to operating a welcoming, tranquil, and compassionate environment with dedicated staff who ensure quality care and support services for independent and assisted living.
Check out Noozhawk’s Guide to Giving for a full list of nonprofits to donate to this giving season.
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