In 2006, the Family Care Network established the “Circle of Serving” award to honor individuals within the Central Coast of California community who demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and commitment by improving the lives of children and families, exemplifying the mission of the Family Care Network “To enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community.”
Prior to the Taste of the Central Coast, the Pave the Way Committee, a group of local professionals interested in lending their voices and experience to the development of the Taste of the Central Coast event, create a nomination list of exceptional community members who meet the “Circle of Serving” criteria. From this list, the agency’s Executive Team selects that year’s honoree.
The selected award recipient is presented with the “Circle of Serving” award at the Taste of the Central Coast event and their name is added to the “Circle of Serving” plaque that adorns the lobby of the Family Care Network. In year’s past, the “Circle of Serving” recipient has also been honored with a Resolution from their residence.
This year, the Family Care Network will honor Monty and Pat Roberts and their family with their award. Monty and Pat Roberts are internationally known for many accomplishments, but most notably is probably the founding of Join~Up® International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting gentle, more effective alternatives to violence and force in both equine and human relationships.
Additionally, Monty is an award-winning trainer of championship horses, founder of the Monty Roberts International Learning Center, a best-selling author, an international keynote speaker and Hollywood stunt man. His wife, Pat Roberts, is an award winning sculpture artist and an accomplished horsewoman.
Not only did the couple raise three biological children, but they also opened their home over the years to 47 foster children. Many of these foster children, now all adults, still return to Flag Is Up Farms for visits, and credit Monty and Pat with helping them to turn their lives around.
Today, Pat and daughter Debbie, along with Debbie’s husband Tom Loucks, run the multi-dimensional and international family business from the offices on Flag Is Up Farms, while Monty continues to travel the world to spread his message of nonviolence.
The Roberts Family is known for their willingness to reach out to people and horses alike who could use a hand; continuing to enhance the wellbeing of children and families in Santa Barbara County