Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) hosted its final 2026 Spirit of the Barrio luncheon on Friday, October 16, bringing together more than 450 community members to conclude a year-long celebration of the event’s 40th anniversary. Since 1986, Spirit of the Barrio has served as a forum for meaningful community conversations, bringing together leaders, advocates, supporters and residents to discuss issues impacting the health and well-being of San Diego communities.
This year’s luncheon carried special significance as it was held atop the fourth floor of the new parking structure at FHCSD’s Integrative Medicine site, offering panoramic views of the community the organization has served for more than five decades. Four floors below, the first Spirit of the Barrio luncheon was held 40 years ago, making the setting a powerful reminder of how far both the event and FHCSD have grown. The expansion reflects FHCSD’s continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the community through whole-person care that addresses physical, behavioral, social and emotional well-being.
The fourth and final luncheon of the anniversary year explored the experiences of refugee and immigrant communities in San Diego. Through personal stories and expert perspectives, panelists discussed resilience, health care access, economic opportunity and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for individuals and families building new lives in the region.
While the discussion centered on immigration and refugee experiences, a broader theme emerged throughout the conversation: communities thrive when people have access to care, opportunity and connection. Panelists reflected on the resilience of immigrant and refugee families, sharing stories of overcoming barriers while highlighting the many ways these communities contribute to San Diego’s cultural, economic and community vitality. Speakers emphasized that when people feel safe, connected and supported, they are better able to thrive and strengthen the social and economic vitality of the region, reinforcing values that have been at the heart of Spirit of the Barrio for the past 40 years.
The luncheon featured a panel of community leaders, advocates and medical experts who shared personal stories and perspectives about navigating the health care system and barriers to accessing education, legal resources and community support.
The conversation was moderated by Deanna Mackey, General Manager of KPBS. Panelists included:
- Sharon Kennedy – Executive Director, International Rescue Committee, San Diego
- Tom K. Wong, Ph.D. – Founding Director, U.S. Immigration Policy Center, UC San Diego
- Harris Niazi, M.D. – Assistant Medical Director of Adult Medicine and Urgent Care, FHCSD
«As we celebrate 40 years of Spirit of the Barrio, this discussion reflects what these luncheons have always been about: bringing people together to learn from one another, better understand the challenges facing our communities and inspire action,» said Zoë Matthews, Philanthropy & Foundation Relations Manager at Family Health Centers of San Diego. «For four decades, Spirit of the Barrio has created space for conversations that strengthen connection, foster understanding and advance health equity. These conversations bring our community together around the issues that matter most.»
Dr. Wong emphasized the economic contributions of immigrant communities, noting that «immigrant-owned businesses are four times more likely to create jobs and strengthen local economic growth.»
FHCSD recognized community organizations and businesses that helped make the luncheon possible, including Community Health Group, Image One, JLL, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, U.S. Bank, Whiting-Turner, EDCO, and the Port of San Diego.
FHCSD looks forward to continuing the Spirit of the Barrio tradition in 2027 and beyond, building on 40 years of community engagement, education and dialogue that have helped connect, inform and inspire San Diegans across generations.
The next Spirit of the Barrio luncheon is scheduled for March 19, 2027.
About Spirit of the Barrio
Since 1986, the Spirit of the Barrio luncheon has helped raise awareness of Family Health Centers of San Diego’s mission to deliver high-quality health care to underserved communities across the region. The event features a variety of timely topics and a diverse lineup of guest speakers, offering attendees the opportunity to be informed, educated and entertained — all while enjoying FHCSD’s signature tamales.
About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Since 1970, FHCSD’s mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County and providing care to more than 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured.
