Anonymous
Source: New Beginnings Counseling Center
Ann Garcelon, a talented writer, and reporter, passed away at the age of 75 on June 5, 2018, and made a generous bequest to New Beginnings Counseling Centers’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. Her bequest will help end veteran homelessness within Santa Barbara County. Funds will be used to provide veterans with housing stability through short-term case management and financial assistance.
Ann’s interest in veterans was heightened by her experience walking around the Santa Barbara community. “It broke her heart to see these men begging on the street,” said Jurate Kazickas, the executor of her will and a friend of more than 50 years, who was a journalist in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. “We spoke often about the plight of these true American heroes. Ann always wanted to do something to help them and was pleased to find a local organization that was actively working to assist veterans to find a better life.”
Garcelon, a Boston native who grew up in Memphis, became a journalist in the early 1960’s. She first wrote for the Pompano Beach (FL) Sun-Sentinel; followed by stints at the Associated Press, The New York Times, and Variety magazine. Moving to Santa Barbara in the early 2000’s, Garcelon became a freelance writer, songwriter, and a valued member of the Christian Science Church, and of the Mesa Writers group. She was actively involved in supporting causes she cared about in our community and focused on helping veterans and young women.
“We are touched that Ann so generously enabled us to assist homeless veterans,” shared New Beginnings’ Executive Director, Kristine Schwarz. “Her kindness will go a long way towards changing the lives of countless veterans.”
New Beginnings’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families program helps homeless veterans county-wide to prevent eviction and transition into permanent housing. Donations can be made in Ann’s name to New Beginnings for homeless veterans. For further information, please contact New Beginnings’ Development Coordinator, Michael Berton, at (805) 963-7777 x112 or email at mberton@sbnbcc.org
What a wonderful, caring woman. I believe instead of pouring more and more money to the Pentagon (remember the $500.00 toilet seats?) we should take better care of our returning Veterans. So easy to send them off to wars and forget them at home.