Ensuring Healthy, Productive Lives for the Most Vulnerable

In the late 1960s, a small group of volunteers in Santa Barbara launched what would become one of the county’s most vital lifelines for vulnerable populations. New Beginnings started as an all-volunteer community counseling center, offering free mental health services to homeless and low-income individuals. Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Kristine Schwarz, the organization has evolved into an extensive support system that touches thousands of lives annually.

The transformation has been remarkable. “We’ve grown from 3.5 full-time employees in 2012 to 80 across three countywide offices,” Schwarz explains. This growth reflects not just organizational success, but the increasing need for our wraparound services in the community. New Beginnings has developed a multidisciplinary approach that addresses five critical areas: mental health, addiction, aging, physical health, and employment services.

One of New Beginnings’ most successful initiatives is their safe parking program, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. This groundbreaking program provides secure overnight parking for individuals and families living in vehicles, offering dignity and safety during one of life’s most vulnerable periods. The organization also runs a supportive services program for veteran families, recognizing the unique challenges faced by those who served our country.

Currently, New Beginnings is tackling another ambitious project: the California encampment resolution project. This countywide initiative aims to resolve 21 vehicle encampments while housing 150 people and enrolling 300 in supportive services. It’s a testament to the organization’s commitment to addressing homelessness at scale, not just providing temporary fixes.

The power of New Beginnings’ approach lies in its comprehensive nature. The organization utilizes a multidisciplinary team, such as a registered nurse for physical health care and a geriatric specialist for senior support – so they can address complex, interconnected challenges that vulnerable populations face.

One New Beginnings client, Mary, had been unemployed for nearly 20 years after caring for her late husband. Through employment and benefits support – including résumé help, interview preparation, and personal grooming assistance – Mary secured a new position at Target as a greeter. Within six weeks, she was promoted to cashier. Her first paycheck allowed her to purchase her own pair of shoes for the first time in many years, a simple but profound symbol of renewed independence.

“We’re dedicated to helping vulnerable clients, particularly those who struggle with mental illness and significant barriers to service,” Schwarz emphasizes. The organization’s commitment to their community extends beyond traditional service delivery. They spent $4 million on direct financial assistance, helping clients navigate immediate crises while building long-term stability.

New Beginnings has been providing quality, affordable counseling and housing assistance services for more than 50 years. As the needs of the community continue to evolve, New Beginnings’ programs are there, adapting, as they continue to provide a vital safety net to those most vulnerable.