I've spent a handful of years volunteering with the WarmLine program of La Cresta Foundation. I have had many meaningful hours with this program!
I love WarmLine and La Cresta Foundation. Rarely do I find non-profits that 100% of their efforts so immediately, directly and purely benefit people in their deepest needs. I know because I am one of these people. I have benefitted so much from WarmLine over the years and now I have the benefit of being able to pay it forward. Thank you, WarmLine!
I've been connected to La Cresta Foundation for over 3 years and really can't say enough good things about it and the committed volunteers who keep it alive. These amazing mothers (mostly) somehow find the time between child-rearing, housekeeping, employment, and countless other responsibilities to support other parents in need. WarmLine (La Cresta Foundation) gives me and so many others a supportive space to process issues, to ask questions and obtain resources, and to just be a part of a community of people committed to becoming the best parents they can be. I will always be grateful for my WarmLine family.
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As someone with no local family in Bakersfield, WarmLine has been such a blessing for me. These amazing volunteers have built a supportive community not only for parents of young children, but also anyone who wishes to learn, grow, and become the best parents they can be. It’s a community free of judgment and with an abundance of resources for all parents and caregivers. I’m grateful every day for WarmLine and for all the incredible volunteers and donors who help to keep it going.
I turned to Warmline a few years ago as a first time mom and later joined as a volunteer to learn all I could in how to be the best mom in raising my children. Warmline has provided a valuable education, base of support and a place I can always be comfortable turning to in my parenthood journey. It has been so rewarding to share what I’ve learned from Warmline with other moms seeking help or support.
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I was first positively impacted by WarmLine as a child of a mother who trained to become a Warmline volunteer. I remember thinking I had a whole new mom in how she parented us and I noted how her demeanor changed. As a first time mom myself, Patty was very supportive as I navigated through struggles I faced in my confidence as a new mom. Now as a new trainee, I look forward to learning how to support other mothers in their motherhood journeys. I am grateful for the opportunity that WarmLine provides to learn and to assist peers in our community!
I moved to Bakersfield 3 years ago. I have 2 children. One is 5 and the other one is 3. I was invited to WarmLine, Mom & Toddler group a year ago. Meeting other moms with similar challenges about parenting makes me feel that I'm not alone on this. I'm currently taking a WarmLine training class. I'm learning a lot of tools to cope with the everyday tantrums from my kids. I have learned about child development to better understand my little ones and make better choices on how to have a special approach that works best for my kids. I'm glad to be part of WarmLine.
Couple of years ago, A board member asked if I was interested in taking the volunteer training class for Warmline. I was hesitant and wanted to check out what this group was about and what it had to offer. I saw that they offered a free mommy/toddler group and decided to check it out. I had a wonderful experience going to the mommy/toddler group, feeling so welcomed and with open arms without judgement. We were hooked from that first day and have met some wonderful other mommies and children who have now become great friends. Its so nice to have this resource available!
WarmLine is a great community resource. These volunteers are here to help with ANY questions and dish out resources, ideas, or just a warm ear to listen. Parents can call and unload their concerns, struggles, and/or behaviors that they might need help with or new ideas. WarmLine also has huge lists of resources for those seeking community resources and connections.
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Warmline is a mulitfacited nonprofit that offers parents not only a hotline to call for free parenting tips and advice or just an open ear but they also offer a biweekly free play day. Held indoors at a safe, clean and child friendly facility where kids can play and parents can unwide and chat. Warmline is a wonderful outlet for parents to meet and relaxe and for children to socialize. They also offer free classes in their volunteer program if you want to get involved and help others in our community. Come join in on a playday and see what you have been missing. The kids love warmline and the parents appriciate all the suport, knowledge and kindness the volunteers offers.
18 years ago I called Warmline because I was a new mom in town with two babies and no friends. The woman on the other end of the phone listened to me and was kind, caring, and non-judgmental. She gave me some good ideas for meeting people and coping with two Littles in a new city. Now I’m training to be on the warmline phones because I believe in it so much!
This organization changed the way I parent. My understanding of child development grew so much and helped me to help my son. I also grew up as a child in this organization so I know from that side how beneficial it is. Bakersfield is lucky it exists.
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I have been raised in this organization. I attended the preschool that was attached to it. My mom and aunt worked there. It was a wonderful way to grow up. Some of us that went there call ourselves the La Cresta kids because we loved it so much and feel we were shaped by the La Cresta principles. The principles are amazing ways to connect and communicate with your children. I now have a son and am using the principles to guide my parenting and they once again are helping us bond and helping him thrive. The actual WarmLine number is an invaluable resource for those times when you really need someone to turn to, validate what you are going through, and help with some La Cresta tips. The "mom groups" are fun, educational for the babies and toddlers and have been such a help to moms who are either at a point where tears are flowing or need their children to start to work on social skills or just need to hang out with other adults. And those that chose to go through training to become members, like me, learn a mountain of information that makes parenting more enjoyable and doable. My hope is that more people will learn about WarmLine, see its value and either donate, join, or use the wonderful resources to benefit their family.
WarmLine has helped me through a very stressful time as a mother. Due to the training I received from WarmLine I have been able to navigate stressful situations with my daughter with less stress and fewer tears while building trust and a deeper connection.
It has been wonderful to be part of the WarmLine community. This is an amazing organization where I found support in my parenting journey alongside other mamas in a warm and welcoming environment. WarmLine continues to provide me with resources and inspiration to become the best mom I can be.
When I was a new mom with a toddler and a baby we moved to Bakersfield. I was over whelmed and lonely. I called WarmLine and the caring voice on the phone listened with compassion and offered good advise. She was a life saver.
A brand new mom with zero family in town, a friend told me about WarmLine and it probably saved my life. I suffered from postpartum depression and this organization, community more accurately, welcomed me so graciously. Everyone knows how isolating being a stay-at-home mom can be. WarmLine helped me connect with other women in similar stages of their life. I learned so much from them. I have an encouraging network of support even as my children get older and the challenges of motherhood change. Volunteering with this group of women has been humbling and uplifting. Any woman with young children will find a deep well of loving, solid advice and plenty of opportunities to realize how strong she is as a mother.
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WarmLine was such a help for me when my daughter was little. It gave me real parenting tips and advice. There was always somebody I could go to that could give me their advice and help because they are a mom, just like me. This is a very important resource for all Mothers whether it’s their first or fifth child. I also made many lifelong friends from volunteering for WarmLine.
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Learning the skills I needed to be a better mom to my son has been the best part of being part of the WarmLine family. Making some new friends and having someone to bond with over baby tantrums, eating challenges and sleep deprivation hasn't hurt either. Looking forward to more years of WarmLine engagement.
WarmLine (one component of La Cresta Foundation) has made a huge impact on my life as a mother. Whereas other organizations helped me with particular components of mothering (breastfeeding and babywearing come to mind), WarmLine has helped me in my parenting holistically. I love the peer mentoring approach. As a new mom, experiencing the compassion and cheering-on of moms who were slightly farther along was crucial for me. Both social play groups (like WarmLine’s Mom & Baby and Mom & Toddler) and WarmLine Training helped normalize my thoughts, feelings, and experiences as a mother and that has made the journey less lonely and overwhelming. I wholeheartedly recommend WarmLine’s services and play groups to any parent or caregiver who is looking for support, encouragement, or troubleshooting in the hard work of raising young children well.
WarmLine kept me sane through my daughters toddler years. They offered me a listening ear, support and valuable information. Because of WarmLine, I’m much closer to being the parent I want to be.
WarmLine is such a blessing to the Bakersfield community and beyond. The Mom & Baby and Mom & Toddler Groups allow moms to connect, build friendships, and expand their support system. The phone line is an amazing resource for moms, near and far, to build their support system. I have loved volunteering for thus organizing. I have learned so many valuable skills for listening, parenting, and leadership.
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La Cresta Foundation is an exceptional, multi-faceted organization. It sponsors Baby Cafe, a breastfeeding support group that is led by IBCLCs. I received such amazing, research based support and education during my breastfeeding journey. Now I am a volunteer trainee for La Cresta's Warmline. It has taught me so much about parenting and communication. This organization is a great asset to Bakersfield and beyond.
WarmLine/ La Cresta has been there for me without fail for 7+ years. I met my closest parenting friends even though I’m pretty sure I never would have met them otherwise. It is this uniquely real and extremely connective and positive parenting that unifies WarmLiners no matter their vast differences otherwise. Thank You, WarmLine/ LaCresta!
I have begun my training through La Cresta's Warmline program and I am learning about the many wonderful things this organization does and I love what they stand for. I really love that volunteers are actually trained intensively on how to handle calls and in child development before they are put on the phones advising other parents. They also work very hard to make sure that their volunteers are taken care of by offering a supportive community focused on lifting up parents. This whole organization is so near and dear to my heart now. I look forward to continuing my support of their efforts in the years to come! Thank you for all the people you help La Cresta!!! We love you!
Joining the Mommy and Me Baby group offered through Warmline was one of the best decisions I ever made! My son and I have made several new friends, and it's been amazing meeting new moms with kids the same age as mine. I'm now going through the volunteer training where I'm learning all new parenting techniques I can use myself and share with others. Love this group of women and so thankful this foundation exists!
Initially, when I became part of WarmLine, I learned specific phrases to use when my child was behaving in a way I didn't like - instead of yelling. Now that my children are older, I still find that I'm using the same techniques to hold the space for conversations that deepen relationships. I am most appreciative for the skills I learned so many years ago.
Oops... I meant during the teenage years.
With Warm Line teaching techniques, classes & lectures Warm Line provides to its members, I continue to help and guide moms in the right direction even though my children are now adults.
Truly, WarmLine is a “star” in the Bakersfield community.
Regarding Warm Line review…
Warm Line has been very beneficial to my family and me over the years. I have met lifelong friends and learned to cope with the many aspects of parenthood. For instance,
learning valuable techniques and tools regarding temper tantrum‘s, speech problems, difficulty in school and it has even help enjoying the teenage years..
I have been referring people to WarmLine for many years. The support, information and education provided to families is priceless. Central Valley Lactation Association (CVLA) is a division of La Cresta Foundation and through CVLA, Baby Cafe Bakersfield is able to provide free clinical breastfeeding care from International Board Certified Lactation Consultants for all families seeking breastfeeding help. The services provided through the La Cresta Foundation make a tremendous difference in the well being of our community.
WarmLine is such a wonderful resource. When I was a new mom, I decided to stay home - but all of my friends still worked. I was referred to WarmLine and mean such wonderful people. The parenting skills I was taught as a member were so valuable; I still use them today now that my kids are teens.
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As a past member of WarmLine, which is served by the La Cresta Foundation, I cannot say how valuable it was to me in my first years of motherhood. I was working full-time before I had my child. After the baby was born, I found myself very lost. I was not going to return to work, so I had no friends and no one really to ask for advice. But WarmLine changed all of that. In fact,. 16 years later, I still have some of the same friends I made when I was a new mom attending WarmLine meetings.
When I became a new Mom, Warmline gave me a new friendly and nurturing community. It helped me transition into my new role while building support during my struggles in breastfeeding. It gave me the opportunity to meet other new moms going through the same special and challenging life changes and decisions as parents and women. I highly recommend Warmline for help with parenting and just a way to meet other moms and plan play dates.
WarmLine has offered me guidance, support and has been a light for me in times when motherhood became challenging. The information I have received, as well as the friendship and camaraderie from fellow mothers, is invaluable and irreplaceable. I would be lost if I did not have this group sharing their advice, stories and suggestions for any and all parenting related issues. I am proud and thankful to be part of something so helpful.
WarmLine helped me to be a better mom y teaching me how to truly connect with my kids. The skills I've learned and continue to refine as a WarmLine volunteer make me so much more than a better mom though. I am better at connecting with people in general. My life and the lives of those around me are better because of WarmLine.
I'm a long-time volunteer with WarmLine. It is gratifying to watch mothers develop confidence in their mothering skills, create life-long friendships and experience new peace and joy in their families. Mothering is the most important job in the world! I'm so happy to be a part of WarmLine, to hold the space for mothers to learn and grow together.
WarmLine has been an amazing asset to my life over the past 13 years. It began as an opportunity to learn more about parenting- tips and tools to help me feel more confident and successful as a mom. It progressed to allowing me to pay it forward and help other parents as a volunteer. 13 years later I still volunteer and I use the listening skills and self confidence I gained in all aspects of my life now!
WarmLine and Patty have definitely made a huge impact in my life!
The La Cresta Foundation has been life changing for myself and my family. As a new mom I was overwhelmed with so many different opinions about parenting, I knew what I wanted to do , but lacked the skills to accomplish my goal. Not only did WarmLine give me the skills and confidence to parent the way I wanted to; but, it provided me with a much needed support group.
As a young mother with her first child I was eager to join Warmline. The valuable information and experience gained through training would be so valuable. In the beginning I did not realize the impact this training would have on my life. I not only grew as a mom, but as a wife, a daughter and as a friend. New skills in listening, understanding and expression would change my life. Working on the phone, hearing other mothers talk about their children, enlarged my world. Helping them also helped me. I cannot say enough about this wonderful organization whose goal is to lend help and advise to others in need.
I volunteered for WarmLine for five years. I really enjoyed my time with WarmLine. I learned some great listening skills and made some wonderful friendships.
Review from Guidestar
My 2 year old had been refusing to go to sleep, and I had reached my wits end. After I'd been battling with him for weeks, my therapist recommended that I contact Warmline for advice. A few days later, in tears, I shot them an email explaining the situation and asking for any advice. Over the course of several emails back and forth we devised several plans of action together-one of which worked like a charm.
They followed up with me regularly, cheered me on, and more importantly, reminded us that we were good parents and were not going though this alone.
Review from Guidestar
I began with La Cresta Foundation in 1978 attending baby/child classes.
I became a VOLUNTEER in1980 and I am still available to volunteer.
My daughter who attended the La Cresta Preschool in 1980 is now enrolled as a volunteer.
The La Cresta Foundation has provided me with invaluable resources and information as I began my role as a parent and thus given me the confidence to pass on what I have learned .
Review from Guidestar
Since the day that I gave birth to my son, WarmLine has been a support like no other.
I wouldn't have survived the terrible two's (and three's) had it not been for this organization.
Also, as a single parent, WarmLine helped me find my strengths and I have met some of the most amazing women in Kern County due to this.
Review from Guidestar