New Beginnings Counseling Center Opens New Location

Santa Barbara’s New Beginnings Counseling Center (SBNBCC) held its grand opening with a ribbon cutting reception on Friday, June 9, at its new location, 530 East Montecito Street, Suite 101. The event was well attended, with noted state and local politicians – Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA24), Senator Monique Limón, First District Supervisor Das Williams, District Two County Supervisor Laura Capps, and Third District Councilmember Oscar Gutierrez.

At the event, I interviewed former Board President of 10 years and now Board Member Diane Pannkuk MBA; Board President Jacqueline Kurta LMFT, PsyD; and Executive Director Kristine Schwarz MFT, LPCC. We discussed the change in board presidents, leadership, mission, and how women leaders are making changes in mental health services. They explained that they had been looking for a new facility for three years, had focused on serving the community during Covid which called on their services a lot, and now in their new location they can grow, expand, and serve the community better. On women leaders in mental health, Schwarz shared, “Female leadership makes a difference, they have a certain skill set and a majority of nonprofits are headed by women. There is a nurturing component women have to work with a team and people that have human strife they are managing daily.” On mental health, Kurta shared, “There are a lot of people in our community who are aware of the mental health and homeless issues in our community, but they don’t know what to do. So we are here to say, our agency helps house people and stay housed, provide mental health resources. We believe we are a place people can count on having their donations well spent and really make a difference in the lives in our community.”

The official program started with opening remarks by Kurta, and a Proclamation Certificate from Limón to Schwarz. Admittedly emotional, Schwarz spoke about the center’s journey and accomplishments, thanking supporters of the center. She introduced Carbajal, who added praise for her work and congratulations. Full program remarks are in the news videos with this report, available on the MJ website and YouTube channel.

Following the official ribbon cutting, guests continued on self-guided tours of the 9,000-square-foot facility, and the reception festivities.

Attending wereSBNBCC Board Treasurer Ziad Elkurkie; Board Members Warren B. Ritter III,and Kathryn Keene; staff Lisa Falcone, Homeless Services Director; Shana Burns, Clinical Director; Brenda Lang, Office Manager; Victor Virgen, Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program Manager; and Cassie Roach, Safe Parking Programs Manager. Also, Regional Director of PATH Liz Adams, Judi and Harry Weisbart, Guy Smith, Charles Newman, Geoff Green, Robin Rickershauser, Mary Becker, Sandy Schoolfield, Jon Kechejian, Paula Perotte, Stuart Kasdin, Ernesto Paredes, Claude and Susan Case, Suzanne Grimmesey, Toni Navarro, Carrie Towbes, Barbara Andersen, Sybil Rosen, Mary Howe-Grant, Alejandra Gutierrez,and Kristen Sneddon.

411: www.sbnbcc.org