Meet the Team
Young Professionals Board
Board of Directors
Position: Young Professionals Board (Volunteer)
Are you a passionate emerging leader who believes that every mother deserves a safe and supportive start to parenthood? Join the Siena House Young Professionals Board and be part of a dynamic group helping to shape the future of one of Santa Cruz County’s most impactful nonprofits.
Job Opportunities
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Siena House is a non-political organization. We support pregnant women and new mothers who have chosen to continue their pregnancies and are seeking housing and support. Our focus is on providing a safe home and the resources families need to thrive.
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Donors can decide how their funds are allocated should you choose to gift to Siena House, however we strongly encourage funds to be allocated for General Operating costs. This allows us to use funding where it is most meaningful to the organization, whether that is hiring staff, providing essential services and products to our participants, or keeping the lights and heat on! The mothers and babies who reside at Siena House have staff on site 24/7 to ensure that they are safe and that their needs are being met.
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Siena House was founded by community members led by Wayne Shaffer who saw a need for safe housing for pregnant women experiencing homelessness. Holy Cross was looking for a tenant for their former convent just as plans were forming to create Siena House and since Wayne was a parishioner, he was able to make the connection. The timing was perfect and Siena House found a home.
Our board has members from diverse backgrounds (including several who have themselves experienced homelessness) and we are an inclusive organization that serves women regardless of their background or religious affiliation.
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No. Although we rent our building from Holy Cross, we have no affiliation with the church and are not funded by the church.
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Really. The building we rent was a former convent, hence the cross. We are very fortunate to rent our building from Holy Cross at a below market rate — and it’s a space that sets up perfectly for our needs.
The nuns that used to live here helped to found Dominican Hospital and we feel they’d be pleased to see how their former home is being utilized today.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Our programming and classes are run by vetted and experienced volunteers (for example, our on-site therapist) and partner organizations such as the Nurse-Family Partnership. Siena House is committed to a strengths based, research driven approach to education and care for our residents.
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No. Siena House is a residential program housing new mothers and mothers-to-be in need who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Siena House does not advise, encourage, discourage or in any way coach residents on the decision to become a mother.
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Absolutely! You are free to practice your religion as you see fit.
We are committed to transparency.
Our governing documents and most recent tax return are available here: