Changing Lives for 50 Years
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.
Key Accomplishments
- Our Community Center has provided our community members with one of the lowest sliding scale fees for mental health services for more than 50 years.
- Our Safe Parking Program® is the first of its kind in the nation and has been replicated by dozens of communities looking to implement similar programs.
- Our Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF) is the leading rapid rehousing program for veterans in Santa Barbara County and has served close to 2,000 veterans and their family members.
- New Beginnings has provided over $4 million dollars in direct financial assistance to our clients to help them obtain housing or medical services. From July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023, we provided more than 1.1 million in direct financial assistance to house our veterans and other low-income individuals and families; these funds went directly back into the community in the form of rent, appliance purchases, utility payments, and other housing and medical-related expenses.
Our Mission
Our mission is 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.
Our Vision
We strive to be recognized as a leading organization that meets the shifting needs of our community through our superior clinical training program and focused supportive services, delivering exceptional outcomes cost effectively.
Person-Centered Philosophy
New Beginnings’ staff and Board of Directors are dedicated to providing client-centered services. To this end, services provided are maximally responsive to each individual’s needs, preferences, and values.
- The plan of service or support for persons receiving services shall be developed through a person-centered planning process.
- The plan’s person-centered, strength-based approach is about treating people with respect and dignity and working together to improve the person’s quality of life.
- Services are to be based on the client’s expressed needs where we facilitate the client in managing their own care.
- Services and supports are to be provided in environments that promote safety, independence, community, and quality of life.
- The process will fully utilize the coordination and integration of care and resources.
- The process will provide emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxiety.
- The process will meet client’s needs for continuity and transition.