2021 MID-YEAR
IMPACT
REPORT
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
We are halfway through 2021 and I am feeling "HOPE-FULL."
Full of hope for what was launched into our local foster care community only 10 months ago. We
kicked off our programs last September, and this report is filled with real IMPACT that YOU
helped create in such a short amount of time.
Full of hope for each child, youth and family involved in our programs. We are just beginning to
see the impact our programs are having on the statistics that plague foster care. We recently had
4 youth in our programs graduate from high school! Statistics say only 50% will obtain their high
school diploma. We are seeing grades improving, healthy attachments forming, youth getting
their first car, enrolling in college, and taking steps toward living independently.
Full of hope for our volunteers who continue to blow me away with their willingness to roll up
their sleeves and get deeply involved. Our programs are founded not on transactional support,
but relational. Kids spell love T-I-M-E and our volunteers show up day in and day out in creative
and meaningful ways.
Full of hope for more opportunities to partner with local businesses, leaders, and organizations to
continue to build out the resources needed to give these deserving kids what they need to
succeed at life. To beat the odds. To become everything they were created to become.
Full of hope at what can be accomplished with your generosity. This Impact Report is only
possible because of people like YOU who believe that TOGETHER we can change the trajectory of
kids' lives experiencing foster care right here in Kern County.
THANK YOU for linking arms with us on this journey. If you have not yet become a monthly
sponsor of Bakersfield Angels, please consider joining our Angel Alliance to bring sustainable
change and lasting HOPE to our local foster care community.
With unending gratitude,
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
MISSION STATEMENT
HEART OF OUR PROGRAMS
BOARD & STAFF
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
STATS & SOLUTIONS
CHILDREN SERVED
LOVE BOX
DARE TO DREAM
PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS
MILESTONES
HIGHLIGHTS
INFLUENCE FOR IMPACT EVENT
GIVE BIG KERN
LOVE OUTSIDE THE BOX
INSIDE DARE TO DREAM
ANGEL ALLIANCE
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
IN-KIND DONATIONS
INDEX
04
05
06
07
08
11
12
14
16
18
22
26
27
28
29
30
32
33
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2021 IMPACT REPORT
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
The Bakersfield Angels' mission is to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the
foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving,
relationship building, and mentorship.
Creating sustainable change in the foster care community.
Our vision to ensure that every child, youth, and family in the foster care community has
healthy, affirming, and lasting relationships. We do this by educating and empowering
the local community and by recruiting compassionate, committed, and diverse
volunteers to offer support through intentional giving, relationship building, and
mentorship.
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MISSION
STATEMENT
OUR
VISION
THE HEART OF OUR
PROGRAMS
INTENTIONAL GIVING
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
MENTORSHIP
Giving thoughtful gifts, practical
items and resources that meet the
real needs of the child and the
entire family.
Devoting time and energy to
fostering healthy relationships that
promote healing through
connections and interpersonal
bonding.
Equipping and empowering the
youth in our programs to be
prepared for independent living and
to reach their fullest potential.
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
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THE BOARD & STAFF
ALLISON MCCLAIN
GRACE CABALKA
Director of Ministry Partnerships
MARCI WATTENBARGER
Director of Grants
DANA BOUMA
Director of Community
Relations
JANIE SLEGERS
JULIE FISHER
JENN YOUNG
Treasurer
Director of
Programs
KRISTEN CABALKA
Case Manager
CIERRA ROGERS
Case Manager
SHELBY CATHEY
Exexutive Assistant/Operations
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BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
Executive Director
Vice President
MARRI TILLEMA
Secretary
JENN DEBOER
KRYSTYNA JAMIESON
Director of Corporate
Partnerships
DENISE REYNEN
Director of Social Media
Case Manager
INTRODUCING
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Case Manager
Executive Assistant/Operations
"I always knew my heart and soul were guided
towards helping others, but I never quite knew
what it would look like. I thought the medical
field was the place originally, dealing with
doctors a lot myself in adolescence, but I have
come to realize that I have a higher purpose to
serve my community in a different way.
I have seen the hope and confidence our
programs instill in the foster community, and it
is beautiful to say the least. I support this work
with my whole heart because I know it’s
creating lasting change. This community is SO
deserving of our love and support, and my
heart just continues to grow for them.
We all have those people in our life who instill
positive change, and YOU have the opportunity
to join me and many others in wrapping our
foster community in support."
Shelby Cathey
Cierra Rogers
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
"I believe that everyone has a purpose in life,
and I have come to understand that mine is to
love and serve others without expectation.
I believe that investing in our youth is an
investment into the future of our society.
Children deserve to be honored and loved.
Therefore, my WHY is so very simple. Children
are deserving and worthy. Although we may
not possess the tools to erase the traumas that
these children may have experienced, we have
the ability to show up and walk beside them.
This new journey with Bakersfield Angels is one
that I am so eager to explore, and I am
incredibly grateful to be given this opportunity
to serve. I look forward to seeing what our
community can achieve by encouraging and
supporting our youth to dream big!"
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50%
50% OF FOSTER HOMES CLOSE WITHIN
THE FIRST YEAR.
Our programs increase the support and stability of
fostering caregivers, decreasing the number of children
moving from home to home.
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THE STATE OF FOSTER CARE &
WHAT WE'RE DOING ABOUT IT
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
33%
33% OF YOUTH WHO AGE OUT OF CARE
HAVE BEEN IN 3+ PLACEMENTS
We give parents the support they need to keep their
doors open and provide opportunities for our children
and youth to develop meaningful relationships, have
access to normal childhood experiences, and succeed in
school.
1:5
MORE THAN 1 IN 5 FORMER FOSTER YOUTH
WILL BECOME HOMELESS AFTER AGE 18.
Our Dare to Dream program provides youth with the
resources they need to learn life skills, and secure a job
as well as a place to live.
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
60%
60% OF FORMER FOSTER YOUTH FALL
BELOW THE POVERTY LINE DESPITE
EARNING AN INCOME.
Our programs provide youth with the resources they
need to develop a strong foundation that will help them
secure a job and earn a living.
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THE STATE OF FOSTER CARE &
WHAT WE'RE DOING ABOUT IT
50%
50% OF FORMER FOSTER YOUTH WILL
BE EMPLOYED AT AGE 24.
We provide opportunities for youth in foster care to gain
tools and learn skills that will help prepare them for a
successful future.
3%
3% OF FORMER FOSTER YOUTH WILL
GRADUATE FROM COLLEGE.
We encourage our youth to "Dare to Dream" about all
that they could become while providing the educational
tools and mentoring they need to reach their goals.
IMPACT
10
JANUARY – JUNE 2021
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
187
CHILDREN SERVED
SO FAR IN 2021
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LOVE BOX
PROGRAM
Our Love Box program provides wrap-around
support for the whole family. Volunteers meet
with families on a monthly basis to help provide
support, consistency, and normalcy as well as
friendship and encouragement to the families
they serve.
CHILDREN SERVED MONTHLY
FAMILIES SERVED MONTHLY
110
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Davi is a single momma of 8 kiddos! She was referred to Love Box for
support in 2020. Her biggest need was someone who could come over
and love on her kiddos. Davi was matched with an amazing Love Box
group, and one of the members has become "Mimi" to all of the
kiddos. This group has done it all, including baking days, planting
flowers, folding laundry, playing Go Fish, helping beat the heat with a
kiddie pool after air conditioning issues, and SO much more! Click here
to watch them talk about their sweet relationship!
DAVI & "MIMI"
Phil and Tanya are seasoned volunteers in our Love Box program.
These two are empty-nesters who chose to spend their time
loving on a local fostering family, and we couldn't be more
thankful. Tanya encourages anyone thinking about joining
Bakersfield Angels to "dive in and do it!" This Love Box group has
formed such a great bond with their family through barbecues in
the park, music lessons, and everything in between. Click here to
meet them!
PHIL & TANYA STANGLAND
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BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
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BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
"In December of 2020, after an extremely trying year like many had, we received a breath of fresh air and
much needed support in the form of four amazing individuals, Rachel and Marri and their daughters Ava
and Richelle. Starting out as occasional babysitting for a night out or to grocery shop without kiddos in
tow, has blossomed to now being able to talk openly with them and turn to them for support through both
good and bad times.
Support from them has also come in the form of helping us get our house in order. Our kitchen was a huge
stressor for me, too many items and not enough space. Now, everything has its own little spot! For
Valentine's, Easter, Mother’s Day, and birthdays, our wonderful Love Box group has shown up time and
time again to celebrate us all! The kids light up when they see 'my Marri and Rachel and Avachelle' (we’re
working on getting Ava and Richelle's name separated). You will often hear the kids playing pretend, and
they will choose one of our Love Box group members to play.
I truly cannot express enough gratitude for all Bakersfield Angels, with the many activities and resources
they have sent us, has done to help support us through everything. From kiddos reunifying (yay!) to new
ones coming and going--they have been there offering a kind ear and warm hearts to help us get through
whatever we are facing. I truly consider these four amazing individuals members of our family now, and
cannot wait to see where this relationship leads as everyone grows closer."
RaeAnn Haggard, Foster Mom
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
DARE TO DREAM
PROGRAM
The heart of the Dare to Dream program is to walk
alongside youth as they navigate through life's
challenges. Mentors meet bi-weekly with youth and help
meet both practical and emotional needs, as well as
provide guidance through developmental milestones.
YOUTH SERVED MONTHLY
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Ed Clark is a mentor in our Dare to Dream program to an
aged-out youth named Robert. Through consistent support
and conversations about the future, Ed and Robert have built
a genuine friendship full of mutual appreciation. One of
Robert's first goals was to purchase a car, and Ed helped him
plan a budget, communicate with a dealership, and secure
insurance in order to meet his goal! Click here to hear from
Ed!
Kyle Sanders is a mentor in our Dare to Dream program, and
he is ready to create lasting impact in our local foster
community! Kyle is a former foster youth himself, so he
understands the importance of having people in your life who
show up. Kyle says, "It's not just the foster family's
responsibility to help these kids, it's the community's
responsibility." Click here to hear Kyle's heart!
ED CLARK
KYLE SANDERS
14
"Being a mentor at Bakersfield Angels has been
challenging as well as rewarding. I’ve learned
many things not just about my mentee but also
about myself. The rewards far outweigh any
circumstances we may encounter. I have
mostly trusted God for His direction when it
comes to someone else’s life. I’m hoping he has
come to trust me and know that I’m here for
him no matter how difficult it may be. LOVE
has filtered in almost as mother and child. The
Bakersfield Angels Team that I have behind me
has provided so much support, and been a
huge blessing to me and my mentee. This has
been one of the most important journeys I’ve
been on. I seriously believe with more mentors,
together we can make a difference in many
young lives, and provide them an opportunity
to overcome the places they’ve been."
Norma Diaz, Dare to Dream Mentor
15
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
"I’m so grateful for Norma. She came into my life at the most perfect time. I had recently just lost
my best friend to suicide and had been struggling with abandonment issues after my mom left
me at the early age of 14. Norma has given me the opportunity to have someone to look up to as a
mother and share things with like a best friend. Since Norma has come into my life, I have
constantly felt like I always have someone to turn to now. I have struggled with being alone for so
long, and it's nice to know that there’s always a shoulder to lean on. Becoming part of the
Bakersfield Angels and having Norma as a mentor has probably been the best decision I’ve ever
made!!!!"
Ryan, Dare to Dream Youth
PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERS
Without our volunteers, the impact of our programs would simply not be possible. Each
volunteer's role is unique and meaningful to the youth and families we serve. We are so
thankful for each and every volunteer who commits to walking alongside children,
youth, and families with us.
ONGOING VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEER HOURS
126
2,668
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BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
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"I have also been impressed by
the family we support. The
mother has faced her own
share of challenges over the last
year with COVID, caring for six
school-aged children. She is an
inspiration to us. Last month we
all went bowling, and all of us
had so much fun. We are
terrible bowlers, but the kids
were so encouraging and really
cheered each other on and
cheered us on too! We think
they are great, great kids."
Sharla Wind, Love Box Leader
“My favorite part is actually having FUN with the kids doing
activities together. I enjoy it as much as they do. Whether
it's laser tag, bowling, or soccer at the park, doing an
activity with the kids is rewarding to me.”
Brian Wind, Love Box Leader
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We are grateful for our partnership with Watch
them Rise, an equine mentorship program for
at-risk girls. Seven of the girls in our program
have participated so far, over two different
days. The first day, the girls learned about being
brave, and spent time grooming, walking and
eventually gaining the courage to ride the
horses. Their second day with the horses
focused on confidence, which they gained by
first reviewing what they'd learned, then
moving on to work on riding posture and
control of the horses. It was absolutely
incredible to witness. Thank you Heather Skow
and all the amazing volunteers at Watch them
Rise for pouring into and empowering our girls!
One of the volunteers from that day even
became a Dare to Dream Mentor for a young
girl in our programs!
MILESTONES
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
MILESTONES
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BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
One of our board members, Janie
Slegers, and her mama Darci Atkinson,
both cooking aficionados, hosted 4 teens
and their mentors for a day filled with
firsts! The teens and their mentors
learned proper knife skills, how to make
a vinaigrette and create a pasta dish, as
well as other basic cooking techniques.
It was a comfortable, relaxed
atmosphere where they learned to cook
together, then sat down to enjoy the
delicious meal they created. We talked
about the importance of hospitality,
cooking for those you love, and
gathering with new friends. Each
mentee gave the experience a 10/10 and
want to do another class, which is
planned for August!
MILESTONES
BAKERSFIELD ANGELS
2021 IMPACT REPORT
Did you know that only 50% of youth in foster care graduate from high school? ⠀
Research shows that youth in care face significant barriers to their educational progress, but with
the help of supportive role models in their lives, anything is possible.
We had the opportunity to celebrate four of our youth as they surpassed this HUGE milestone! Each
of these youth worked incredibly hard to achieve this goal, and we couldn’t be more proud! We also
had seven 8th grade graduates to celebrate!
Our community is SO giving! The people of Bakersfield stepped up to support our graduates in the
sweetest ways. Our graduates were spoiled with yummy Crumbl cookies, amazing personalized
cakes, and beautiful flower arrangements all generously donated by local business owners. We also
put together fun gift baskets for all of our graduates. These baskets included things like affirmation
cards, Hydro Flasks, Polaroid cameras, gift cards, LED string lights, and more!
We can’t wait to watch the next chapter of their lives unfold, and we will be supporting and cheering
them on every step of the way!
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