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Serving Santa Barbara County
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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 provides 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 Support Center Coordinator
Luz Diaz
Luz Diaz brings over 15 years of experience serving diverse communities through education, case management, and program coordination. As Mothers’ Helpers’ Support Center Coordinator, she oversees daily operations, manages volunteers, and maintains our supply of in-kind donations.
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Fluent in both English and Spanish, Luz has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion. She has worked extensively with children, youth, and families—supporting students in foster care and experiencing homelessness, empowering parents and caregivers, and creating safe, engaging learning spaces as a school garden educator. She has also led community resource programs, volunteer initiatives, and case management services for organizations across Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Texas.
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Luz holds a degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara and is certified in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and the Community Resilience Model. With a heart for service and a gift for building community, Luz helps ensure that every family who walks through Mothers’ Helpers’ doors is met with dignity, care, and encouragement.
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You can reach her at Luz@mothershelpers.org | 805.268.7123
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