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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Love Box®
Program
A team of dedicated volunteers who come together to support a foster family though consistent care and encouragement. Each group is led by a designated leader and includes 1-3 additional members. Groups can be made up of friends, family members, co-workers, or couples, and it some cases a single volunteer, based on the size and needs of the foster family.
Local families who have opened their home to provide foster or kinship care, with at least one placement in their home. Families often include a mix of biological adopted, and foster children.
Love Box Leaders must be at least 21 years old. Group members must be at least 18 years old.
Yes. Volunteers must have access to a car to meet with families and provide consistent support.
• Fill out an application (Leader only)
• Complete and introductory Zoom call (Leader only)
• Sign the Liability/Confidentiality Waiver & Photo Release
• Pass a Live Scan, DMV check, NSOPW search
• Submit valid driver's license and car insurance
Love Box volunteers commit to at least one in-person connection per month for one year at a time. Our goal is for these to become long-lasting relationships.
• $20 onboarding registration fee
• $40 (approx.) Live Scan fee
Any costs associated with monthly touchpoints
No, volunteers do not need any previous knowledge or experience with the foster care system. All that's required is a heart to make a difference and a willingness to show up consistently for a family.
Love box groups are matched intentionally, taking into consideration
• Size of volunteer group and fostering family
• Location
• Desired support
• Volunteer strengths and abilities
• Personalities and beliefs
Due to the intentionality of our matching process, wait times vary.
Love Box volunteers provide a steady, reliable source of support, helping foster families feel seen, valued, and supported on their journey. This can include, but is not limited to:
• Delivering meals/groceries
• Playing games with the kiddos
• Providing a listening ear
• Attending extracurricular activities
• Going to the park or planning simple outings
• Babysitting
Upon identifying a match, volunteers are assigned a Bakersfield Angels Case Manager who will:
• Provide a 2-hour training, covering the basics of foster care, trauma, and Love Box logistics
• Facilitate the initial introduction to the foster family's home
• Check in monthly to suport the health of the match
• Provide additional resources as needed
• Share upcoming events and opportunities
Could Volunteering Be Your Next Yes?
Dare to Dream®
Program
FAQs
A healthy, patient compassionate and non-judgmental community volunteer who wants to show up consistently for a youth experiencing foster care.
A youth between the ages of 11-21, who is currently experiencing, or recently aged-out of foster care, and who has said "yes" to on-on-one mentorship. Youth may live in a foster/kinship home, group home, or independently.
Mentors must be at least 21 years old, though we prefer those who are 25 or older for added life experience. Our current mentors range from 24-75 years old.
Yes, as well as a valid driver's license and insured vehicle. Mentors will transport their mentee for all hangouts.
• Fill out an application
• Attend an introductory session, in-person or via Zoom
• Sign the Liability/Confidentiality Waiver & Photo Release
• Pass a Live Scan, DMV check, and NSOPW search
• Submit valid driver’s license and car insurance
• Complete references
• Submit short bio and photo for matching purposes
Mentors commit to at least two in-person hangouts per month, for one year at a time. Our goal is for these to become long-lasting relationships.
• $20 onboarding registration fee
• $40 (approx.) Live Scan fee
• Any costs associated with monthly hangouts
• No, mentors do not need any previous knowledge or experience with the foster care system. All that’s required is a heart to make a difference and a willingness to show up consistently for a youth.
• Matches are made intentionally, taking into consideration:
• Location
• Interests
• Desired support
• Volunteer strengths and abilities
• Personalities and beliefs
• Cultural/racial preferences
• Age preference
• Due to the intentionality of our matching process, wait times vary.
Mentors wasl with theier youth as they navigate life, goals and big transitions. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Simply listen and remind them, “I believe in you.”
• Grab a sweet treat or meal and talk about life.
• Explore hobbies or try something new together.
• Attend sporting events or performances.
• Encourage academics or explore future options.
• Practice job interviews or build resumes.
Upon identifying a match, mentors are assigned a Bakersfield Angels Case manager who will:
• Provide a 2-hour training, covering the basics of foster care, trauma, and Dare to Dream logistics
• Facilitate the initial introduction in the youth/caregiver’s home
• Check in monthly to support the health of the match
• Provide additional resources as needed
• Share upcoming events and opportunities
Could Mentoring Be Your Next Yes?
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