The Empathy  Center
1964 Las Canoas Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Building the Empathy Based 

Educational Retreat Center


Our Vision
A world where mutual empathy guides human interactions, fostering understanding, connection and care, leading to a more innovative and prosperous society for all.


Our Mission
Fostering a more empathic culture through education, awareness and community building initiatives, in order to bridge divides and create a more caring, creative and innovative society for all.


Our Values
Our values are a positive spiral of values that starts with Empathy, Mutuality, Openness and Care. Leading to trust, connection, community, creativity, innovation...


Our workshop on facing fear with empathy and mindfulness.

The Science of Empathy
Scientific American article that features our empathy building work.

The Empathy Incentive

September 17, 2024
By Elizabeth Svoboda 

KEYT News:
Former Catholic seminary to become retreat center in Santa Barbara

“My brother was interested in retreat centers since he was a child … he thought maybe he can buy it," said Edwin Rutsch. 

Cultivating a Culture of Understanding
The Visionary Work of Edwin Rutsch

The Montecito Journal - Sept 6, 2023
By Ann Brode
"As I sat with Edwin in the chapel of the old St. Mary’s Seminary on Las Canoas Road, he shared his plans to establish a retreat center on this extraordinary property. Called The Empathy Center of Santa Barbara, this facility will offer workshops and events focused on promoting empathy as a core value. "

A couple of weeks ago, the St. Mary’s seminary up on Las Canoas Road was auctioned off. Can you find out who bought it and what his or her plans are? —N.