As the “Baby Boomer” generation continued to age and live longer, Rona Barrett realized nearly 20 years ago that resources had to be made available to support this senior population. 

In 2000, she led the way and established The Rona Barrett Foundation. 

 

 
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Rona Barrett is a pioneering entertainment journalist, columnist, broadcaster and producer with a storied career spanning several decades.

Her insightful reporting and signature style became familiar in print (numerous magazines and books), radio (segments syndicated nationwide) and television (as a regular contributor and occasional host). Iconic TV shows such as Good Morning America, The Today Show and Entertainment Tonight, were just a few of the programs that brought Rona Barrett into millions of American homes for multiple generations over many decades.

With a staff of dozens - and reliable sources throughout the entertainment world, she broke countless stories and became the public’s trusted insider documenting the careers and lives of stars from the spheres of movies, music, TV, radio and stage. Prominent politicians and sports personalities also came under her watchful eye.  The public loved her and celebrities respected her and her influence. 

In recent years she has harnessed her great prominence and tireless drive in service of others. In honor of her father, Barrett decided to deploy her entrepreneurial acumen to address a challenge close to her heart: providing affordable and dignified housing and care for the fastest-growing population on the planet – seniors over 62 years old. 

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In order to achieve this objective, she created a new non-profit organization - The Rona Barrett Foundation. The Foundation is the catalyst behind the Golden Inn & Village - providing affordable housing and wellness services for low-income seniors. 

The Golden Inn & Village provides a new solution to the challenge of providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in need. Located in the beautiful Santa Barbara wine country, residents have access to an array of care services that meet their needs - all on one campus. 

Rona says that being an advocate for seniors in their time of need is the most important and rewarding work she has ever done.

“I hope others will take a look at what we’re doing with the Golden Inn & Village. I think the success of our approach could be replicated in communities throughout our beloved nation. The need is vital and it’s everywhere.”

 

Our Mission

The Rona Barrett Foundation is a non-profit organization providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors-in-need. We do this by developing, expanding, and continuing operation of care homes such as the Golden Inn & Village in Santa Ynez, California. Residents benefit from a wide range of essential care services. With dignity, respect and love, the Rona Barrett Foundation presents residents with a broad variety of programs that meets their needs and enhances their lives.

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 Rona Barrett
Founder

Cynthia Manigault
Chairperson

Steven Reden
Secretary

Jane Ayer

Roger Battistone

Lisa Clement, M.D.

Susan Weber

In Memoriam: Karen Langley Stephen

FOUNDATION STAFF

 Rona Barrett
Founder and President

Tony Morris
Executive Director

Vanessa Kernes
Director of Wellness Programs and Services

Lorena Ponce
Resident Services Liaison

Vicki Wedmore
Administrative Manager