GOLDEN INN & VILLAGE PLANS COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE APRIL 28

Have you ever seen a vision become a reality? The Rona Barrett Foundation has. And on Saturday, April 28th, it will host a Community Open House at the Golden Inn & Village, located at 890 N. Refugio Road in Santa Ynez, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.

The Golden Inn & Village, an affordable housing and wellness service campus for low-income seniors, is a joint venture of The Rona Barrett Foundation and The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara. The building opened its doors to its more than 60 elderly residents, including veterans, in December 2016. During the open house, light refreshments will be served while visitors have the opportunity to tour the interiors and grounds of the complex.

“So many people in the area have driven by the Golden Inn & Village, but, perhaps, haven’t had a chance to come inside,” said Anna Widling, Director of Programs & Wellness Services for The Rona Barrett Foundation. “The open house will offer a comprehensive overview of the residential living facility and the services we provide at no charge to our seniors.” A highlight of the open house at 2 p.m. will be the dedication of the Robert and Carol Jackson Library, located on the second floor of the Golden Inn & Village.

“Thanks to a generous financial gift from Robert and Carol Jackson, we were able to build a beautiful library which now holds all of the wonderful books donated by this community,” said Rona Barrett, founder and CEO of The Rona Barrett Foundation, which has been dedicated to building affordable housing and wellness services for almost 20 years. “We’re so happy to have the official unveiling of this fabulous addition during our Community Open House.”

In addition to the library, visitors can tour other parts of the campus, including its fitness center, medical screening clinics, arts and crafts room and the computer lab, among others facilities. The dining hall hosts not only special events and celebrations, but is now home to a recently launched meal and nutrition program, provided by The Rona Barrett Foundation, at no cost to the senior residents of the Golden Inn & Village. Chef Bethaney Markee, who oversees the new food initiative, will also be on hand at the open house.

“We hope members of the area communities will stop by and see firsthand what the Golden Inn & Village is all about,” Barrett said. “It’s truly a special place for special people.”