Safe Parking Program’s 20th Anniversary Luncheon
On June 20th, 2024, New Beginnings celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its Safe Parking Program with a luncheon at the Santa Barbara Woman’s Club. The event highlighted two decades of the program’s life-changing work and honored the Honorable Susan Rose and Congressman Salud Carbajal for their vital support throughout the creation and maintenance of this vital program. Over 160 attendees joined the celebration, with keynote speaker Dr. Michele Wakin, a founding case manager, sharing insights into the program’s history and impact.
The Safe Parking Program currently manages 200 spaces across 31 lots in Santa Barbara County, providing safe overnight parking for individuals, families, and seniors that are experiencing vehicular homelessness. A driver’s license, vehicle registration, and vehicle insurance is required to enroll in the shelter component of the program. The program connects individuals to shelters, food, and services, and offers case management for rapid rehousing, job support, and grant assistance for medical and other critical needs.
The 20th Anniversary was a tribute to past achievements and a look to the future. New Beginnings remains committed to supporting homeless individuals, transitioning them to permanent housing and employment, while continuing to rely on community support to make a lasting impact in the area.
New Beginnings
Donate now!
www.sbnbcc.org
(805) 963-7777 ext. 144
Executive Director: Kristine Schwarz
Mission
We provide mental health counseling to low-income community members and end homelessness for individuals, families, and veterans throughout Santa Barbara County. Through four core programs, we serve approximately 2,000 people each year.
Begin to Build a Relationship
We know you care about where your money goes and how it is used. Connect with this organization’s leadership in order to begin to build this important relationship. Your email will be sent directly to this organization’s Director of Development and/or Executive Director.
New Beginnings is helping low-income people throughout Santa Barbara County with their affordable counseling services, helping them navigate difficult times, find housing, and get back on their feet. Their Safe Parking Program has been replicated nationally, allowing people in transition to sleep safely and find housing through the Rapid Re-Housing program, and their clients are always treated with dignity and respect.
Prevent Santa Barbara’s Most Vulnerable From Falling Back into Crisis
New Beginnings seeks $250,000 in unrestricted funding to support essential client needs not covered by government funding. Your generous donations help provide food, hygiene items, and pet care for those living in vehicles, dental and medical care for individuals whose health has suffered on the streets, and extended motel stays for clients undergoing treatments like cancer care.
“This funding is crucial in preventing clients from falling back into crisis,” Executive Director Kristine Schwarz says. “Your donation directly supports these critical, often overlooked services, helping New Beginnings guide vulnerable clients toward stability and positive outcomes.”
Board of Directors
Jacqueline Kurta, MFT, Psy.D.
President
Dan Engel, Vice President
Mark Cardona, J.D., Secretary
Ziad Elkurjie, Treasurer
Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT
Member
Julie LeVay, Member
Stasia Huiner, MBA, Member
Kathryn Keene, Member
Diane Pannkuk, MBA, Member
Warren B. Ritter II, Member
Scott Sanford, Member
Ronnie Shahbazian, Member