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
To provide quality, affordable counseling, shelter, case management,
and education that strengthen our community and provide our clients with the ability to lead healthy and productive lives.
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.
Charlie and I first encountered New Beginnings more than a decade ago, when a friend involved in the Safe Parking program showed us a video featuring a mother and children who were living temporarily in their car escaping an abusive home. We’ve been involved ever since, and we’re honored that our gifts are helping New Beginnings to expand its services to help more Santa Barbara County residents facing mental, behavioral, family, and financial crises.
Help Close the Gap
New Beginnings urgently needs $500,000 for its flexible support fund, the unrestricted resource that addresses what no government grant will. Here are the ways you can help:
• $2,500 provides emergency housing assistance for a family at risk of losing their home.
• $3,000 covers mental health evaluations and counseling sessions for a client in crisis.
• $7,500 funds a security deposit plus first and last month’s rent, the single largest barrier to keeping a vulnerable neighbor housed.
Every level of giving helps New Beginnings continue closing the gaps in Santa Barbara County’s housing safety net.
Board of Directors
Jacqueline Kurta, PsyD, MFT, President
Dan Engel, Vice President
Ziad Elkurjie, Treasurer
Diane Pannkuk, MBA, Secretary
Janna Alvarez
Jason Dominguez
Stasia Huiner
Julie LeVay
Scott Sanford
Suzanne Grimmesey, MFT
Ronnie Shahbazian