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We operate with a parent’s heart and a helper’s hands
Mothers’ Helpers is a 501(C)(3) located in Santa Barbara County
Our story
We were created in October 2009, after Robin, our founder and recent new mother, came across a Facebook post where a mother desperately sought a crib. After watching repeated attempts to find one fall through, Robin realized there wasn’t an efficient, caring way for parents alone or in tough financial times to easily source baby items. Mothers’ Helpers was born to fix that. Blending the natural churn of baby items that parents store unused in the garage and new parents who would love to use them, our community took off.
Our mission
​Mothers’ Helpers providse essential baby items to low-income families throughout Santa Barbara County, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and no parent faces the journey alone. We gather baby items from families who no longer need them and distribute them to those who do, alleviating financial stress and allowing parents to focus on what matters most—nurturing their children. This approach also reduces waste, keeps valuable items out of landfills, and promotes a more generous and sustainable community.
Meet the founders
Robin & Dan Unander-La Berge
Robin and Dan are Santa Barbara locals inspired by one Facebook post. Robin’s first Mothers’ Helpers adventure was that first encounter with a mother in need trying to source a crib online. Robin didn’t have a crib, but she figured she could probably find one. Passing the word along that someone was in need, Robin literally collected a truck full of baby items to deliver, crib included. Dan eagerly jumped in to assist with transportation, and they haven’t stopped since. Outside of Mothers’ Helpers, Robin practices law, Dan serves as a personal trainer and nutritionist, and together, they’re raising their family in Santa Barbara.
Meet our Executive Director
Michelle Erickson
Michelle has been with Mothers’ Helpers since she dropped off some of her daughter’s baby things at Robin and Dan’s house in 2014. Dan needed help keeping their new warehouse organized and they’ve been working together ever since.
Michelle has a BS in Design and an MBA in Sustainable Business. Her previous work experience includes graphic design, interface design and product management – all at local Santa Barbara companies. She put those skills to work for Mothers’ Helpers for eight years as a volunteer and board member and is now honored to serve as Executive Director.
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You can reach her at michelle@mothershelpers.org
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Meet our Program Manager
Erika Loyola
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Erika first came to us as a pregnant mother-in-need after moving to Santa Barbara in 2022 with her husband Filiberto. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Fili, in 2023 and was grateful for our support and inspired to give back. “It is a true blessing what Mothers’ Helpers has done for me and my family when we were in much need of help and now I want to be able to give back to this welcoming community.”
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We were excited to see Erika’s application for the Program Manager position and hired her in June 2023 to oversee our application process from submission through fulfillment and pickup. She also acts as the primary liaison between Mothers’ Helpers and local social service agencies and is fluent in English and Spanish.
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Erika received her Bachelors of Science degree in Healthcare Management and is also working as a Clinical Concierge at the Cottage Urgent Cares and completed the Cottage Health Leadership Development Program. With her compassionate heart she strives to help others and is pleased to be a part of the Mothers’ Helpers family as our Program Manager.
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You can reach her at erika@mothershelpers.org | 805.268.7123
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