What is LOVE teaches young people, adults, and schools how to identify unhealthy relationships so we can prevent dating abuse and connect teens to 24/7 FREE services.
What is lOVE is a youth-centered, trauma-informed relationship education nonprofit serving Santa Barbara County.
We equip young people (ages 13–22), educators, and families with the skills to build healthy relationships, recognize red flags early, and prevent dating abuse before it begins.
Through a research-informed, Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework, we partner directly with schools to strengthen:
- School safety
- Student connectedness
- Emotional regulation & communication skills
- Help-seeking behaviors
- Positive school climate
When students understand boundaries, consent, empathy, and conflict resolution, they feel more connected to each other and to their school community. Relationship education strengthens school success by improving focus, reducing peer conflict, and increasing trust between students and adults.
Programs and Services Provided
- School-based prevention programming (Tier 1, 2 & 3 MTSS)
- Classroom curriculum (health & advisory settings)
- Teen workshops & leadership programs
- Parent & caregiver education
- Professional development for educators
- Community presentations & advocacy
We also connect youth to 24/7 FREE text line support, crisis, and community-based services when additional support/early intervention is needed. Sliding scale fees are available for specialized programming if needed.