Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity, but here in Santa Barbara County, it’s a chance to make a personal, local difference. At Noozhawk, we believe in the power of community and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have when directed close to home.
Our Good for Santa Barbara County Nonprofit Section is designed to connect you with local organizations doing vital work. Whether it’s a donation, a few hours of your time, or simply helping spread the word, your contribution matters.
Explore our Giving Guide today and help brighten the season for those who need it most!
In this interview, Noozhawk spoke with Holly Walling, Sales & Marketing Manager at Wood Glen Senior Living, to learn more about the nonprofit’s vision of operating a welcoming, tranquil, and compassionate environment with dedicated staff who ensure quality care and support services for independent and assisted living.
Wood Glen Senior Living
Question: How long has your organization been serving the community, and who founded it?
Answer: 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: 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!
Wood Glen continuously makes updates to our services and offerings in order to meet the current needs of seniors in the Santa Barbara community!
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, or LinkedIn for our latest news!!
Q: Can you highlight one immediate goal and one long-term vision your nonprofit aims to achieve in the next year?
A: Grants and donations help us continue to maintain the immaculate, comfortable community which we pride ourselves on – without passing on the cost of such projects to our senior citizen residents.
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. It truly becomes home sweet home!
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.
If you would like to include your nonprofit in our Good for Santa Barbara section and Giving Guide click HERE.