The Starfish Connection nonprofit will hold its next Transformational Tales event, Stories De Mi Pueblo, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at Del Pueblo Cafe, 5134 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara.

Community members are invited to reflect on their hometowns — the family, neighbors, favorite local spots, and parks that make a place feel like home.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a story from their hometown or current home to share with the audience. Transformation Tales is free to attend for all ages..

Starfish Connection thanks Del Pueblo Cafe for donating its restaurant space for the event; and food sponsor Pure Aesthetics by Jeanine for sponsoring the light bites.

Transformational Tales is a live storytelling series, offered the third Thursday of each month, January to October, at various venues from Goleta to Carpinteria.

The group provides space for individuals to share their lived histories and experiences with the community. Each gathering is designed to foster connection, resilience and belonging, especially in a time when loneliness has been identified as a public health issue by the American Medical Association.

“Sharing a vulnerable story turned out to be an incredibly uplifting experience,” said participant Ciara Lumaj. “I discovered that in opening up, we find we’re not as alone as we might have thought.

“Connecting with others on such a profound level brings a sense of relief and comfort that only comes from realizing our shared human experience.”

Learn more about Transformational Tales or view upcoming events at www.thestarfishconnection.org/events.