2025 Annual Fundraiser
New Beginnings is thrilled to announce their 2025 Annual Gala on October 25th, and is seeking sponsors. This year’s focus is the growing need for mental health services and support for those experiencing homelessness.
Your sponsorship helps New Beginnings provide care for families, seniors, veterans, and individuals living in their vehicles.
They’re excited to welcome back comedian Jonny Donahoe, who will reprise his role in Every Brilliant Thing (Oct. 24 & 26), plus a new show preview (Oct. 23) and Gala performance (Oct. 25). Sponsors receive event tickets, dinner access, and recognition.
Contact development@sbnbcc.org or (805) 963-7777 x122 to get involved.
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