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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Love Box®
Program
The Love Box program matches local foster families with a team of dedicated volunteers who come together to support them through consistent care and encouragement.
Local families who have opened their home to provide foster or kinship care, with at least one foster care placement in their home.
Support isn't one-size-fits-all, it's built around each unique family. Volunteers help foster families feel seen, valued, and supported on thier 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
Love Box volunteers commit to at least one in-person connection with your family per month and a minimum one-year commitment, renewed annually.
While many of our matches continue far beyond a year, we begin with one year to protect stability and ensure families can rely on the volunteer’s presence.
To help create a strong and meaningul match, we ask families to:
• Be open to building a caring, consistent relationship with volunteers
• Connect in person at least 1 time per month, for one year at a time
• Engage in relationship-building through scheduling, meetups, and open communication
• Stay in touch with your Bakersfield Angels Case Manager and respond to calls or messages in a timely manner
Volunteers must:
• Fill out an application
• Attend an interview with Program Director
• Sign Liability Waiver, Confidentiality Agreement, & Photo Waiver
• Pass a Live Scan, DMV check, and NSOPW search
• Submit valid driver’s license and car insurance
• Complete a 2-hour training on the basics of foster care, trauma, and Love Box logistics
Love Box families 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.
Upon identifying a match, families are assigned a Bakersfield angels Case Manager who will:
• Facilitate the initial introduction to volunteers in the foster family’s home
• Check in monthly to support the health of the match
• Provide additional resources as needed
• Share upcoming events and opportunities
For Caregivers
Dare to Dream®
Program
FAQs
Could A Mentor Support Your Journey?
The Dare to Dream program matches youth currently experiencing, or recently aged-out of, foster care with a local volunteer mentor.
Youth ages 11–21 who are currently in foster care, extended foster care (AB-12), or kinship placements are eligible for Dare to Dream®.
Support isn’t one size fits all–it’s tailored to each unique youth. Mentors walk with their youth as they navigate life, goals, and big transitions. This includes, but is not limited to*:
• Simply listening and reminding them, “I believe in you.”
• Grabbing a sweet treat or meal and talking about life
• Exploring hobbies or trying something new together
• Attending sporting events or performances
• Encouraging academics or exploring future options
• Practicing job interviews or building resumes
*Mentors will provide transportation for all monthly hangouts.
To help build a strong relationship with their mentor, we ask youth* to:
• Hangout at least twice per month, for one year at a time
• Be consistent with scheduling, meetups, and open communication
• Stay in touch with the Bakersfield Angels Case Manager and respond to calls or messages in a timely manner
*For youth under 18, caregiver commitment and encouragement is required.
Mentors must:
• Fill out an application
• Attend an interview with Program Director
• Sign Liability Waiver, Confidentiality Agreement, & Photo Waiver
• Pass a Live Scan, DMV check, and NSOPW search
• Submit valid driver’s license and car insurance
• Submit references
• Submit short bio and photo for matching purposes
• Complete a 2-hour training on the basics of foster care, trauma, and Dare to Dream logistics
Matches are made intentionally, taking into consideration:
• Location
• Interests
• Desired support
• Mentor strengths and abilities
• Personalities and beliefs
• Cultural/racial preferences
• Age preference
Due to the intentionality of our matching process, wait times vary.
Upon identifying a match, youth are assigned a Bakersfield Angels Case Manager who will:
• Facilitate the initial introduction to the mentor in the youth’s home
• Check in monthly to support the health of the match
• Provide additional resources as needed
• Share upcoming events and opportunities
Volunteer & Mentor
What to Expect
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