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. New Beginnings Counseling Center (NBCC) is committed to strengthening our community.
Our mission is to provide our clients with the ability to lead healthy and productive lives through our Counseling Clinic, our Life Skills Parenting and Education Program, our Safe Parking and Rapid Re-Housing Program and our Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program. We are dedicated to advocating for a just and equitable world.
Our mission is to provide our clients with the ability to lead healthy and productive lives through our Counseling Clinic, our Life Skills Parenting and Education Program, our Safe Parking and Rapid Re-Housing Program and our Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program. We are dedicated to advocating for a just and equitable world.
Services
New Beginnings is a non-profit organization that provides psychological counseling and housing assistance services to the homeless, as well as low-income individuals and families throughout Santa Barbara County. Through our Counseling Center, the Safe Parking Shelter and Rapid Rehousing Program, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program, and the Life Skills Parenting and Education Program, we serve approximately 2,000 people each year.
We employ approximately 20 staff members and have more than 30 all-volunteer masters and doctoral-level mental health counselors working in our counseling center. We feature the profiles of our administrative staff below.
Kristine Schwarz is a seasoned executive and psychotherapist who brings extensive experience building organizations and managing multi-faceted projects in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, and considerable experience as an educator and clinician.Kristine is also a former entertainment industry executive with 13 years of experience developing film and television projects internationally.
Kristine Schwarz is a seasoned executive and psychotherapist who brings extensive experience building organizations and managing multi-faceted projects in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, and considerable experience as an educator and clinician.Kristine is also a former entertainment industry executive with 13 years of experience developing film and television projects internationally.
Both events will include an interview and discussion with Annabelle Gurwitch, a New York Times best-selling author, activist, and advocate who recently became a landlord to house a young couple living in their vehicle. Annual Gala: Meet-and-greet, dinner, live interview, book-signing, and more. The interview is conducted with Beth Farnsworth, our community's award-winning journalist.
Our Board of Directors are leaders in our community who serve as ambassadors for our agency, provide financial oversight, and help guide our vision. Jacqueline Kurta is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in work with adolescents, college-age young adults and families, particularly focused on challenges involving alcohol, drug and other addictive behaviors.
Our Clinical Supervisors are experienced mental health professionals who volunteer their time to train our counselors, oversee their work, and optimize treatment plans for our mental health clients. Allen Bishop, PhD, is Professor Emeritus at Pacifica Graduate Institute having served as faculty member, Department Chair, and Accreditation Liaison Officer for over 15 years.
Reviews (10)
Annette Smith
Nov 02, 2021
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Ruffles K.
Nov 01, 2021
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Just be careful. in my experience the "safe" gimmick can be deceptive. this was supposed to be an all woman lot in SB city but I was harassed by two men and one who behaved threateningly towards me. these were supposedly residents. I don't know what the dangers are in regards to other parkers. had to quit the program. back to being overnight homeless but hopefully treated better. do these "permits" mean anything? no Lot Attendant answers the phone and are you ready to call 911? bad situations happen fast. not worth the risk. no residents or anyone should approach you, that
Scott Young
Oct 04, 2019
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As a student pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, I've had the opportunity to work with a number of different clients at New Beginnings. For a low fee clinic focused on helping those who don't currently have the financial means to seek help elsewhere, I can say, without question, that New Beginnings goes above and beyond to accommodate people who are struggling with a wide variety of issues. The support for counselors is top notch as well with a great selection of supervisors and an abundance of training and didactic opportunities. I co-led the anger management classes on multiple
The Amethyst Kitchen
Dec 10, 2018
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X. D.
Dec 09, 2018
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As a veteran who was facing homelessness and was referred to them by the VA Dept, they didn't seem to care or have any way to help me and my family as we were facing homelessness. I found this out after WEEKS of calling, they NEVER answer the phone or return voicemails. If you're a veteran needing help with homelessness, steer clear of this place because it's a waste of your time. God only knows where the money they receive in donations and the government to help homeless veterans goes to. Probably lining their pockets while they tell people, sorry we can't help you...
Tim Pettit
Jun 06, 2018
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Amber M.
Oct 11, 2017
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This is a waste of money paid for by the city of Santa Barbara. The program promises to pay your security deposit, and first months rent. They did not follow through. No real help or support. They occupy a studio in a low income work force building that should be housing someone. Ridiculous and awful way to spend money an not help people who actually work an do not want to be homeless. Promise to help fix your car if need be, of course non fulfilled. I could continue on but I think ya get the point.
Georgi Rice
Sep 21, 2015
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Glen Mowrer
Nov 10, 2013
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Vanessa R.
Oct 29, 2013
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I never felt the volunteers at this organization ever wanted to help me. When I called for help one day, the person in charge said she would call me back. I never heard from her, and when I went down there, 15 minutes later, she was chatting and joking with her co workers. I don't feel this organization really helps women. You sign up and they never reach out to you when you are physically there. I was in tears, crying and they cared more about going to lunch than helping me. I would never sign up for this program again and I hope real people who really want to help people will work there
