The Rona Barrett Foundation provides recognition and financial support to nonprofit organizations which address the most critical challenges faced by low-income seniors. Focus areas include Assisted Living, Day Care Centers and other basic needs of our elderly poor.

The Foundation identifies other nonprofit organizations and programs that can best use financial support and recognition to address these needs.
 
The Foundation manages financial donations to support these organizations and programs. Rona Barrett’s personal involvement also provides opportunities for recognition and awareness for critical programs, issues and policy at a national level and in the communities where our seniors are served.

Rona visiting Garden Court, an innovative independent living community for low-income seniors
in Santa Barbara, California.

Over the years, the Foundation has been able to support several other non-profits that assist in housing, feeding, and caring for the elderly people in need who helped make this country what it is today.

Today, The Foundation is extending its scope to the national level, to identify and support non-profits and programs that fill the needs and gaps in communities throughout the country.

The Rona Barrett Foundation was originally funded through proceeds from The Rona Barrett Lavender Company and is now funded through private, tax-deductible, charitable contributions.

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Many of the 96 residents at Garden Court had worked in the everyday jobs that served Santa Barbara as laborers, nurses, business owners, teachers, realtors, etc., and are now on fixed incomes of less than $700 per month.
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In 2006, there were 3.4 million people aged 65 and older in the U.S. living in poverty.   The poverty threshold for an individual 65 years and older is defined as being below $9,669 for the year 2006, less than $806 a month. An estimated 12 million Americans age 65 or older will need long-term care by 2020 – while the cost to live in an Assisted Living facility today, for example, can range from $10,000 to $50,000 a year, with yearly cost increases far outpacing inflation rates.