New Beginnings has announced its partnership with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Chapter 33-4 to provide a financial assistance fund to 16 veterans living at Johnson Court, the first all-veteran housing development in Santa Barbara. Johnson Court is managed by the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara.

Since Johnson Court’s opening in February 2020, New Beginnings has served as the onsite supportive services specialist, ensuring veterans retain their housing and have the resources needed to thrive in their new home; see https://sbnbcc.org/.

“We are so grateful to receive support from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association,” said Kristine Schwarz, executive director of New Beginnings. “Their generosity has enabled us to create community and a welcoming environment for the Veterans at Johnson Court, something that has been especially important this last year.

“Their assistance has helped immeasurably, and we are delighted that they have joined with us in honoring our local veterans.”

“Through their donations, I have been able to improve the quality of life of several of our veterans,” said Rhandi LaChonce, supportive services specialist at Johnson Court.

“For example, I was able to replace the batteries and wheels for three electronic mobility devices, enabling our veterans to travel in Santa Barbara without worrying about their devices breaking down,” LaChonce said. “This has made a huge impact in their lives.”

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 33-4 Chapter, which covers the Central Coast (Santa Barbara to Monterey) held a fundraiser and provided the initial donation of $2,000 this past winter to launch the fund. They are holding another fundraiser June 5 in partnership with Good Ride Rally.

Since launching the fund, New Beginnings has also used the funds to buy bedding and various household items, a Christmas feast, and Netflix accounts. Having a funding source to readily tap into has allowed New Beginnings to be more responsive to meeting the needs of their veteran clients.

The Combat Veterans Motorcyle Association is a national association of combat veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Their mission is to support and protect those who have defended our country and our freedoms — Veterans Helping Veterans.

New Beginnings, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) at 324 E. Carrillo St., Ste. C, Santa Barbara, provides clients with affordable counseling, shelter, case management and education. For more information, contact the development department, 805-963-7777 ext. 112 or email development@sbnbcc.org.