WillBridge

Last updated on March 12, 2008

To provide a safe-haven as an alternative to incarceration for chronic homeless mentally ill adults and females at risk of violent crimes.

Description:
WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc., is a faith-based non-profit that is opening Safe-Haven for mentally ill homeless adult men and women, including homeless females at risk of violent crimes (sexual assault.) The co-ed safe-haven will accommodate 10 clients referred through the Restorative Policing program, or collaborating agencies, in Santa Barbara; this will include 2 beds for women at risk of violent crimes. The founders of WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc. have worked with the homeless population for a minimum of 30 plus combined years. Providing a safe-haven for the individuals chosen as candidates for the Restorative Policing Program will benefit both the client and the service provider. The advantages of a family style setting will nurture trust and aid in overcoming clients fears of large facilities and crowds of unfamiliar people. WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc., is the first in a continuum of care offering a transitional component to prepare the clients for a residential program or independent living.

Restorative Policing is the collaborative effort between the Santa Barbara Police Department and community providers, (Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services;Santa Barbara County Public Health and the Homeless Coalition Team) to design a treatment plan for the homeless mentally ill as an alternative to incarceration. We strongly believe that alternatives to incarceration including interventions such as advocacy, case management, treatment plans; support groups and residential programs will positively impact change and guide an individual to begin living a safe and productive life. Furthermore, a structured, supportive an warm living environment will aid in closer observation of the client's strengths as well as self-sabotaging behaviors that require immediate attention and interventions.

History:
It was October 17th 2003 and Santa Barbara Chief of Police, Camerino Sanchez was sharing his aspiration to implement the restorative Policing Program in Santa Barbara. As Lynnelle Williams listened, she received inspiration and guidance regarding what her new mission in life would be. According to Lynnelle, "While the Chief spoke, these words came to me, and were as audible as if we were talking to each other, "I want you to support this initiative." At that point I turned to my business partner, Gale Trowbridge, and the dialog went something like this:
"We have something to do."
"WHAT?"
"I don't know."
"Well when you know, tell me."
"OK."
So the journey began with the building of WillBridge of Santa Barbara, Inc. Each day has brought a new challenge, each day has increased Lynnelle and Gale's faith and each day has prepared them to serve as extensions of God's hands for service.

Contact person: Lynnelle Williams, Founder, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (805) 564-1933

Address:

1215 East Montecito Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(See a map)

Web Site: http://willbridgeofsantabarbarainc.org

Be the first person to offer feedback on this agency!
Post a user reflection to share your experiences with other users!