Monterey Bay Chapter

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Ways to Serve

There are multiple ways volunteers can impact the lives of vulnerable children and families through Safe Families:

Become a Host Family

At the core of the mission of Safe Families for Children is the host family who creates a safe place for children whose parents are in crisis. The host family practices biblical hospitality when they temporarily open their home to children without monetary reimbursement. Safe Families for Children may serve children of all ages, but each individual host family determines the profile of the children they are able to host in their home. Ideally, the host family will also develop a relationship with parents to provide ongoing support for the family even after the children return home.

Learn more or contact us at santacruz@safefamilies.net to begin the application process.

Become a Family Coach

The role of family coach is crucial to the ministry and provides an opportunity to minister in a variety of ways as they facilitate the relationship between the parents and the host family during a hosting. Their two primary areas of ministry are 1) supporting the host family and ensuring the well-being of the children in care and 2) providing support and mentorship to parents. They also facilitate the transfer of the children to the host home and coordinate communication among the Family Coach Supervisor, the host family, and the parents.

Learn more or contact us at santacruz@safefamilies.net to begin the application process.

Become a Family Friend

Family friends come alongside the host family and/or parents to provide encouragement and support during the time of hosting which could include, but is not limited to:

Respite Care: Providing temporary care of children to assist host families during a hosting.

Transportation: Transporting children to doctor’s appointments, school, home visits, etc.

Meal team: Providing a meal to a host family who is having a difficult hosting in order to encourage them and relieve some stress.

Support: Encouraging a host family with prayer support during a difficult hosting.

Mentoring: Offering support and guidance to parents after the children return home.

Volunteers working in direct contact with children are required to complete an approval process.  Learn more about Family Friends or contact us at santacruz@safefamilies.net if you would like to volunteer in a particular area.

Become a Resource Friend

Resources for host families:  Most children come into a host home with very few supplies and possessions, and host families are not reimbursed for any expenses they incur. Therefore, the donation of children’s items, including diapers and formula, are very helpful.

Resources for parents: At times,  parents need the support of material resources to help them get ahead.

We keep a list of resource friends whom we notify when a particular need arises.

Learn more about Resource Friends or contact us at santacruz@safefamilies.net to volunteer in this way.

Become a Prayer Partner

Our Prayer Partners commit to pray for items in our Weekly Wednesday ministry update. Use the link below to sign up to pray for us!

Click Here to Sign Up to Volunteer with our Santa Cruz Chapter and to join our Weekly Wednesday Mailing list.

If you are unsure where you fit in this ministry, please use the above link to complete interest form, or email us at santacruz@safefamilies.net, and someone from the Santa Cruz chapter will follow up with you regarding your interest in Safe Families for Children.

We welcome you to join our team of compassionate and dedicated volunteers!