Santa Maria, Santa Ynez and Lompoc Valleys
Each month we post a wish list for a different organization in town. It is our hope that people in the community who see this list might be able to help meet these needs in some way. If you have a wish list you would like posted, please send us an email with your attached wish list. If everyone gives just a little, we can help others.
Foster Parents Santa Barbara County has a serious need for quality foster families. According to California's Child Welfare Services/Case Management System, the number of children in need of foster care has increased by 64% over the last ten years. Our community is in dire need of caring individuals to provide stable and loving foster care to children and youth in response to the rising need of out of home care. There are many benefits to serving as a foster parent with the Family Care Network, including being monetarily compensated for your services, being equipped with excellent training and support, and experiencing the joy of making a positive difference in the life of a child or youth.
Mentor Program Volunteer Embark on a rewarding one-on-one mentor relationship with a Family Care Network child or youth for six hours a month for a year commitment.
Intern Program Volunteer Work alongside our Social Workers to provide client support or learn the ropes in our Human Resources or Community Resource Development Departments, for at least six months/two quarters. Psychology, Child Development, Sociology, Communication Studies, Marketing/PR and Business majors are welcome.
Tutor Program Volunteer Use your intellect to help a child overcome school obstacles through one-on-one tutoring for one hour a week for at least six months.
Event Volunteer Help with pre-event tasks and on event day for the Family Care Network's three annual events: Miracle Miles for Kids in the Spring; Wild West BBQ Bash in the Summer; Taste of the Central Coast in the Fall; and Sponsor a Child for Christmas.
On-Going Volunteer Opportunities There are several on-going volunteer opportunities that are available on an as-needed basis: help with home maintenance projects for our foster families or clients; support our administrative staff with mass mailings, filing and phone calls; or creating your own volunteer position based on your individual skills and the Family Care Network's needs.
Donations Primary program funding sources are often restricted in scope, covering direct services and limited basic needs (shelter, clothing, medical expenses, etc.) of those we serve. It is our goal as an agency to provide services that go beyond primary program funding in order to ensure the success of those we serve. These needs can include anything from music lessons for a young child to helping a foster youth transition from system dependence to adult independence to ensuring a child or family receive essential services.
The Family Care Network provides 17 distinct programs within five service divisions:
All agency programs are based on best practices, Wraparound Principles, and evidence-based or promising practices.
The agency values integrity, accountability, program fidelity and outcome-based services, and is accredited by the California Alliance of Child & Family Services.
The Family Care Network is a private, nonprofit children and families services provider serving foster and high-needs children and families on the Central Coast of California. The agency was established in 1987 for the purpose of creating family-based treatment programs as an alternative to group home or institutional care for children and youth, and is accredited by the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.
In the agency's 20+ year history, our programs have grown to serve over 2,000 children, youth and families annually in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. Programs are delivered in partnership with public and private agencies, and the community. Our mission is to enhance the wellbeing of children and families in partnership with our community.
Because of our tremendous success rates with some of the most challenging kids and families, Santa Barbara County has asked us to expand our services. With our recent office expansion in Santa Maria and our brand new office in Santa Barbara, the agency currently serves former foster youth who were recently homeless, provides Emergency Shelter Care for children in unsafe situations, assists current foster youth transition to adult independence and provides specially trained therapeutic foster families to heal the wounds of past abuse and neglect.
Community Wish List
The following is a list of needed items and open volunteer opportunities that we are asking to be filled by community members who are interested in supporting our mission .
For more information about the Family Care Network, please visit www.fcni.org or call (805) 781-3535.
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