About | Urban Works

Mission

Urban Works embraces art and recreation to break through faith, social and economic barriers, to create a more enriched, diverse and unified community for adults with disabilities.

History

Urban Works Santa Cruz comes from the creative foundation laid by Salty Sheep under the guidance of Ryan Althaus. Salty Sheep has served many types of groups of people, such as those recovering from addictions, the elderly, people with disabilities of all types, individuals in marginalized groups, the homeless population and the general community as a whole. No one is excluded!

In Ryan's words: "What does it look like when people who don't normally interact with each other, get together for activities they share an interest in? In a word, it is.... magical!"

Vision of the Future

Urban Works Santa Cruz is the vessel for supportive opportunities that enable people with disabilities to actively participate and thrive in fun activities. This allows everyone to engage fully as an essential member of our community.

Our vision is that people with disabilities and their support networks receive the benefits of inclusive programs designed to overcome societal barriers and dispel stigma.

We strive to help open the hearts and minds of people through sharing enriching adventures!

Our Supporters

Central California Alliance For Health

Urban Works is a proud recipient of the Partners for Active Living (PAL) Grant, as given by the Central California Alliance for Health (the "Alliance") Medi-CAl Capacity Grant Program.

Trinity Church

Christ-centered and mission-driven, an open and affirming community of faith in Santa Cruz, California.

Meet our Team

Creative Director & Board Member

Captain Reverend Ryan Althaus

Ryan is the founder of Urban Works and the Captain of our 'Salty Sheep' sailboat alongside his trusty first mate, Rafiki the dog. His passion for uniting despondent populations continues to keep him engaged in the program through his role as the creative director and affiliate board member. Ryan is an ordained Presbyterian minister and the minister of interfaith relations for the Unitarian Universalist fellowship of Santa Cruz. He is also the author of several books and articles that can be found on his personal website at www.thesurfingmango.com.

Executive Director & Board Member

Katie Gentile

Katie brings expertise in project management, HR, direct care, and program design to the Board. Before joining Urban Works as Executive Director she has spent several years managing a respite agency and designing inclusive social programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Her goal is to ensure that everyone has access to engaging and meaningful experiences in our community.

Art Program Instructor

Rachel Corvese

Rachel teaches weekly art sessions in-person and online for Urban Works. In 2022 Rachel opened The Vision Sanctuary, a community art studio and gallery downtown Santa Cruz, where she hosts art classes and community events.

Art Program Founder

Theresa Nelson

Founder of the art program at Urban Works through her own organisation, Cultivated in Creativity Theresa was inspired to create this organization through years of interaction with the special needs community.

Cultivated in Creativity is dedicated to cultivating a community immersed in creativity, as the name implies! We build upon the notion that by focusing on our common passions, in this case creativity, we transcend differences and build a stronger community.

Meet our Board

Say hello to the faces behind Urban Works Santa Cruz!

Creative Director & Board Member

Captain Reverend Ryan Althaus

Ryan is the founder of Urban Works and the Captain of our 'Salty Sheep' sailboat alongside his trusty first mate, Rafiki the dog. His passion for uniting despondent populations continues to keep him engaged in the program through his role as the creative director and affiliate board member. Ryan is an ordained Presbyterian minister and the minister of interfaith relations for the Unitarian Universalist fellowship of Santa Cruz. He is also the author of several books and articles that can be found on his personal website at www.thesurfingmango.com.

Executive Director & Board Member

Katie Gentile

Katie brings expertise in project management, HR, direct care, and program design to the Board. Before joining Urban Works as Executive Director she has spent several years managing a respite agency and designing inclusive social programs for adults with developmental disabilities. Her goal is to ensure that everyone has access to engaging and meaningful experiences in our community.

Board Chair

David Heacock

Dave Heacock has more than 30 years of experience in the semiconductor field, managing start-ups to multi-billion dollar business with Texas Instruments. Passionate about people and community, Dave was active in getting a group together to found Urban Works Santa Cruz in 2022. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Clarkson University as well as Urban Works Board of Directors.

Board Member

Rev. Julianne Porras-Center

Julianne is the Organizing Pastor and Executive Director of Somos Watsonville — a non-profit, bilingual, and inclusive cafe and community center which seeks to create a sanctuary for the underserved. She is passionate about building community with people from all walks of life and creating unique opportunities for genuine connection in an increasingly isolating world. It is this passion and a love for adventure and the great outdoors that excites her about Urban Works!

Board Member, Assistant Secretary

Patricia Schroeck

Patricia comes to Urban Works with a background in marketing and strategic planning for a wide variety of organizations ranging from large corporations to small technology startups to non-profit foundations. Her personal experience with both mental health and physical challenges in her family have led her to be passionate about providing equal access to fun and enriching experiences for everyone.

Board Member, Treasurer

Charlie May

Bio coming soon.

Board Member, Secretary

Rev. Anne McAnelly

Anne is the pastor of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Aptos. She brings over 30 years of ministry experience, leading congregations and caring for people. Life blessed her with a child on the spectrum which birthed her passion for providing resources for those who move through the world differently.

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