COMMUNITY EVENT: Dia Del Niño - Children's Day
2026-04-24 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carpinteria Children’s Project, 5201 8th Street, Carpinteria, CA, 93013, United States
Save the date for this free community event to celebrate children! Día del Niño, celebrated in Mexico every April, is dedicated to honoring children, recognizing their importance in society, and promoting their well-being. Enjoy raffles, fun face painting, interactive games and prizes, delicious food, live music, and exciting performances!

WHEN: Saturday, April 24th from 1:00pm-4:00pm
WHERE: 5201 8th St. Carpinteria, Carpinteria Children’s Project back lot
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email info@carpchildren.org or call 805-566-1600

HYBRID Child Abuse Prevention Workshop/Taller de Prevención del Abuso Infantil - People Helping People
2026-04-24 10:00 - 12:00 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
People Helping People is holding an upcoming Child Abuse Prevention Workshop that the community may attend either in-person OR on zoom. This workshop will focus on parent education and support and guest speaker, Trish Hecker, will cover the types of child abuse/neglect, community care in action, and protective factors that can lower the risk of abuse. Join PHP in creating a safer world for children. Light pastries will be available for in-person attendees.

WHEN: Friday, April 24th from 10:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: PHP Conference Room, 545 Alisal Rd (In-person OR Zoom)
RSVP: Register here >>
CONTACT: Call 805-686-0295 or email isabelaa@syvphp.org

Únete a nosotros para crear un mundo más seguro para los niños. People Helping People – Taller de Prevención del Abuso Infantil. Puntos clave del taller: tipos de abuso/descuidado infantil, cuidado comunitario en acción, factores de protección que pueden reducir el riesgo de abuso.

Cuándo: 24 de abril, viernes 10:00am-12:00pm
Dónde: Sala de Conferencias PHP, 545 Alisal Rd (Presencial/Zoom)
RSVP: Register here >>

Alateen/Alanon Support Group
2026-04-24 10:00, 2026-04-17 10:00 | IN-PERSON/YouthWell, 610B Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
For teens affected by someone’s drinking or addiction. Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. Young people aged 12 to 25 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength, and hope with other teens. Please join us.
WHEN: Fridays, 10:00 – 11am
WHO: Young people from 12 through 25
WHERE: YouthWell – 610 Anacapa Street, Suite B, Santa Barbara
QUESTIONS: Contact Nancy Palmer at 972.898.8133 or https://alanonsantabarbara.org/

Family Support Group
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-16 18:00 - 19:30 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Family Support Group encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community in a non-judgmental space where participants can benefit from others’ experiences and discover their own inner strength.
The group helps caregivers build coping skills, find strength through shared experiences, and feel supported without judgment. Participants learn to let go of guilt, accept what they can’t control, and understand that mental health conditions are not anyone’s fault.
If you are interested in registering, please call the Family Advocate at (805)-325-5580.

VIRTUAL WEBINAR: Calming Teenage Anxiety - Fusion Academy
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:00 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Fusion Academy South Bay is hosting a virtual webinar series on Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teen Cope with Worry. This interactive discussion with Sophia Galano, LCSW, will share practical, compassionate strategies to help parents recognize teenage anxiety, open up meaningful conversations, and model calm and emotional regulation without controlling or enabling their teens.
If you’ve ever wondered how to truly connect with your anxious teen, this conversation will give you hope, insight, and practical tools to start today.

WHEN: Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00pm-7:00pm
WHERE: Virtual on Zoom (link provided upon RSVP)
RSVP: Registration required >>
CONTACT: Email southbay@fusionacademy.com or call 310-376-5139

First 20 people to RSVP will receive a signed copy of Sophia Galano’s book.

FamilyTools+ Parent Support Group — Free Weekly Drop-In (Hybrid)
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:30 | Wake Center, SBCC, 300 N. Turnpike, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111, United States
FamilyTools+ Parent Support Group Free weekly drop-in for neurodivergent parent support in Santa Barbara
For parents and caregivers of children ages 5–18 with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, Tourette syndrome, or other neurodivergent profiles in Santa Barbara County.
Parenting a uniquely-wired kid is rewarding and genuinely hard. FamilyTools+ is a free neurodivergent parent support group in Santa Barbara where caregivers come together weekly to share real strategies, get support, and actually breathe for 90 minutes.
Each session addresses the day-to-day realities of raising neurodivergent youth: emotional regulation at home, time management, building productive relationships with teachers and schools, and ensuring your own well-being doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
No curriculum, no commitment, just an honest, welcoming space with other parents who get it.
Every Thursday | 12:00–1:30 PM In-Person: SBCC Wake Center, 300 N. Turnpike, Room 15 — Santa Barbara Virtual: Zoom link provided after you register Free to attend
Register and find up-to-date details on our [Support Groups page →]
Questions? Email groups@youthwell.org or call 805.770.1930 ext. 103
Want to learn more?
About Your Facilitator
Kara Rocque is a California credentialed teacher, ADHD+ and executive function coach, and mom of three teens. After seven years teaching in Goleta, her own children’s experiences reshaped her focus, leading her to specialize in supporting neurodivergent learners and their families.
A few terms worth knowing: ADHD+ ADHD rarely travels alone; anxiety, learning challenges, and OCD often come with it. EF (Executive Functions) life skills like planning, time management, and emotional regulation. 2e (Twice Exceptional) gifted with challenges.
Kara helps students and families find connection, routines, and communication strategies that actually work. You aren’t alone in your ADHD+ journey.
Want to learn more?
Stronger Together: Parent, Provider & Education Series
Free virtual workshops for parents, providers, and educators focused on neurodiversity-affirming tools and practices for home and classroom. Designed for anyone supporting neurodivergent youth ages 5–25.
Spanish interpretation available · $5 suggested fee · Zoom link provided after registration
[Register for Stronger Together →] · Questions? groups@youthwell.org or 805.770.1239

FREE Parent Workshop: Raising Resilient Children - Mosaic Therapy Collective
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Mosaic Therapy Collective, 533 E Micheltorena St., Santa Barbara, United States
Join Mosaic Therapy Collective and Child Resilience Center for an engaging workshop on supporting your child’s emotional growth and resilience. Learn simple, practical strategies to: teach and model emotional regulation, respond to challenging behaviors, build strong and supportive connections. Leave with easy-to-use tools to help your child manage big feelings, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills every day.

WHEN: Thursday, April 23rd from 10:00am-11:00am
WHERE: Mosaic Therapy Collective, Santa Barbara
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email admin@mosaictherapycollective.com or call 805-617-1115

VIRTUAL Support Group for Parents of Teens - Evolve
2026-04-22 17:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-15 17:30 - 18:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Evolve offers free weekly virtual support groups for parents and caregivers of teens. This group provides a safe, welcoming space to connect with other parents, share resources, and talk openly about the challenges of supporting a teen while balancing work, family responsibilities, and self-care. Participants receive practical guidance and emotional support from others who understand the realities of teen mental health and behavioral challenges. You are not alone. This group is designed to help parents feel heard, supported, and connected to others who truly get it.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure where to turn, this parent support group is here for you. It is made up of parents walking a similar path and navigating many of the same struggles.

WHEN: Every Wednesday from 10:00am-11:00am
WHERE: Virtual on ZOOM (link provided after registration)
REGISTRATION: **required REGISTER NOW >>
COST: $0
CONTACT: Call 1-855-890-2493

About Evolve Treatment Centers
provides evidence-based treatment for teens ages 12 to 17 facing mental health, substance use, and behavioral challenges. Our full continuum of care, exclusively for adolescents, includes outpatient psychiatry and therapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Residential Treatment Centers (RTC).
*How to Attend*
To join, please complete the registration form on our website. After reviewing your registration, our team will email you a consent form via DocuSign. Once the form is signed, you will receive access details for the Zoom group.

Preparacion para las reuniones del IEP de transicion
2026-04-22 09:30 - 11:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Las transiciones son difíciles para todos nosotros! Hablemos sobre la mejor manera de prepararnos para las reuniones de IEP de transición con el fin de apoyar a nuestros estudiantes y equipos de IEP para el próximo año escolar

WHEN: Miercoles, 22 de Abril 9:30am-11:30am
WHERE: Únase a la reunión a través de ZOOM
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email fec@alphasb.org or call 805-452-8789

Grupo de Apoyo para Padres [virtual]
2026-04-21 18:00 - 19:30 | YouthWell, 610B Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Family Support Group in Spanish: Grupo de apoyo para padres de jóvenes hispanohablantes, de 10 a 18 años, que se lleva a cabo semanalmente en persona en Santa Bárbara.
Un grupo de desarrollo de habilidades para que los padres aborden los desafíos diarios de la crianza de los hijos, mejoren la comunicación y fortalezcan las relaciones entre padres e hijos. Aprenda a reconocer sus fortalezas, cómo manejar la crianza de los hijos durante los conflictos y cómo manejar el estrés mientras prioriza su autocuidado.

FECHA/HORA: 1st & 3rd MARTES • 6:00PM-7:30PM • 2x mes • grupo sin cita previa
UBICACIÓN: asistir via Zoom

**El enlace de Zoom se le enviará por correo electrónico después de registrarse para el grupo**
Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, envíe un correo electrónico GROUPS@youthwell.org o llamar 805.770.1930 ext 103

For parents/caregivers of youth ages 10-18, a support group for Spanish speaking parents of youth, held weekly in-person in Santa Barbara.
A skills-building group for caregivers to address the daily challenges of parenting, improve communication, and strengthen parent-child relationships. Learn to recognize your strengths, how to handle parenting during conflict, and how to manage stress while prioritizing your self-care.
WHEN: 1st & 3rd TUESDAYS from 6:00-7:30pm
WHERE: via ZOOM
REGISTRATION: REQUIRED> [zoom link shared after registration]

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Preparing for Transition IEP Meetings - Alpha Center
2026-04-21 09:30 - 11:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
Transitions are difficult for all of us! Let’s talk about how to best prepare for transition IEP meetings to support our students and IEP teams for the upcoming school year.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 21st from 9:30am-11:30am
WHERE: Virtual on ZOOM
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email fec@alphasb.org or call 805-452-8789

Compartiendo Esperanza
2026-04-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Un grupo para personas que tienen seres queridos adultos que viven con un trastorno de salud mental. Regístrese para nuestro grupo de apoyo en Santa Barbara. Venga a nuestro grupo a compartir su historia con otras familias. Para registrarse llame al (805)-325-5580.

COMMUNITY EVENT: Read Banned Books - PFLAG Santa Barbara
2026-04-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Chaucer’s Books, 3321 State Street, Santa Barbara, 93105-2623, United States
PFLAG is hosting their April Social Gathering: Read Banned Books and Support Inclusive Classrooms. Please join us as we READ BANNED BOOKS (and bring friends!) We will be highlighting children’s books with inclusive themes and stories! Selected stories for children will be read aloud by guest readers at 5:15, 5:45, and 6:15. 15% of all sales during this time will help PFLAG provide these books to local public school classrooms. This event is FREE and open to all!

WHEN: Monday, April 20th from 5:00pm-7:00pm
WHERE: Chaucer’s Bookstore, 3321 State St.
COST: $0

ParentConnect Support Group [hybrid] – YouthWell
2026-04-20 12:00 - 13:30 | IN-PERSON/YouthWell, 610B Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101, United States
Learn skills to effectively and compassionately support your child struggling with any type of mental health challenge while also setting boundaries, supporting siblings, and managing your own self-care.
This is a weekly, hybrid, drop-in support group and is intended for parents or caregivers of youth, ages 12-25. However, if your child is outside of this age range and struggling with a mental health challenge, please don’t hesitate to inquire to attend.
WHEN: Mondays, 12:00-1:30pm
WHERE: HYBRID — Zoom OR In-Person/1528 Chapala St, Suite 203, Santa Barbara
REGISTRATION: REQUIRED >
**zoom link shared after registration**

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Building Effective School Supports Part 1 - YouthWell
2026-04-19 17:00 - 18:30 | *VIRTUAL-ZOOM*, ONLINE, CA
YouthWell is hosting a FREE virtual neurodiversity workshop on Building Effective School Supports: A Parent and Caregiver Guide to MTSS, IEP’s and 504 Plans. At this workshop, parents and caregivers can expect to learn how to navigate educational systems, how to clarify roles and processes, and how to receive appropriate and meaningful support. This event is FREE and open to parents and educators!

WHEN: Sunday, April 19th from 5:00pm-6:30pm
WHERE: Virtual on ZOOM
RSVP: Register here >>
COST: $0

Nature Group Therapy for Teen Girls
2026-04-19 16:00 - 17:00 | nature therapy
A Nature Therapy Group for girls to explore their strengths and power for camaraderie and support, both with each other and with the earth. This weekend group provides a space to process, de-compress, explore, and connect with what ever is coming up for each group member and be a supportive witness. In addition, getting to honor the unique needs of each season and what we can learn from mother earth’s cyclical nature.
The female nervous system is primed for connection, yet we live in an increasingly isolated society. Oxytocin is our primary regulator for the female nervous system, and being in community and nature, support the production of this impactful hormone. Puberty is an ideal time to learn how we can better support our own nervous system and hormone production, while supporting our peers as well.
Your budding teen will get the opportunity to lead, connect, speak-up, disagree, and learn important self-advocacy skills as they help shape the group and our experience together.

Alateen/Alanon Support Group - Friendship Center
2026-04-19 13:00 | Friendshipe Center, 89 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara, 93108, United States
For teens affected by someone’s drinking or addiction. 3 available dates and locations: Sundays at Friendship Center, Thursdays at SB High School, and Fridays at DP High School. Alateen is for young people from 12 through 18. Alateen, part of the Al-Anon Family Groups, is a fellowship of young people whose lives have been affected by alcoholism in a family member or friend. We help one another by sharing our experience, strength, and hope. ALATEEN CHAT… Chat live with other teens in any of the scheduled meetings! Young people aged 13 to 18 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking are invited to share experience, strength, and hope with other teens.
WHEN: Sundays, 1:00pm
WHERE: Friendship Center – 89 Eucalyptus Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
QUESTIONS: Contact Nancy Palmer at 972.898.8133 or scws.org/alateen

COMMUNITY EVENT: Tournament of Champions Track & Field
2026-04-19 08:00 - 15:00 | Lompoc Teen Center, 732 N H St., Lompoc, United States
Tournament of Champions is the premier track and field event for 3rd-8th grade students from across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. This event is FREE for LUSD students. All participating students receive a commemorative t-shirt and olympic-sized medals are awarded to the top three places in each category, courtesy of SoCalGas.

WHEN: Sunday, April 19th from 8:00am-3:00pm
WHERE: Lompoc Community Track & Field, 515 W College Ave, Lompoc
RSVP: Ticket purchase required >>
CONTACT: Email info@lompocteencenter.org or call 805-741-7904

Bring on the Colors: Lompoc 5k Color Run/Walk - YMCA
2026-04-19 08:00 - 11:00 | River Park, CA-246 & Sweeney Rd, Lompoc, 93436, United States
Get ready for a day of color, movement, and community fun! Join the Lompoc Family YMCA for our very first Community 5K Color Run/Walk—an event designed to bring people together, celebrate connection, and enjoy a little sunshine along the way. After the run, keep the energy going with a lively Zumba class—the perfect way to celebrate, move, and connect with others in our amazing community. All ages are welcome!

WHEN: Sunday, April 19th at 9:00am (8:00am registration)
WHERE: River Park, Lompoc
REGISTER HERE >>
COST: $5 (members) or $10 (non-members)
CONTACT: Call 805-736-3483

FREE Musical Learning with Lanny Series - Mosaic Therapy Collective
2026-04-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Grace Fisher’s Inclusive Clubshouse, United States
Join Mosaic Therapy Collective for this FREE musical learning program. Join award-winning children’s musician with over 25 years of experience writing and performing music for kids. This program is free thanks to the support of the Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation.

WHEN: 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from 11:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: Grace Fisher’s Inclusive Clubhouse, 121 S Hope Ave, Unit F118
COST: $0
CONTACT: Email admin@mosaictherapycollective.com or call 805-617-1115

Family to Family Class
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Family to Family is a FREE 8 session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder.
It will help them understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own wellbeing. Please call the Family Advocate at (805)-325-5580 to register or email familyadovcate@mentalwellnesscenter.org

AHA! Littlest Little Farm | Junior High
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:30 | Montecito Union School, 385 San Ysidro Rd, Santa Barbara, 93108, United States
LLF participants learn and practice regenerative agriculture skills. They work hard and have fun as part of a team, getting hands in the soil and communicating with plants, animals (goats, chickens, and a tortoise!), insects, and each other.
The LLF is offered in 4-5 week cycles. The following cycle dates are for Junior High School Students.

Cycle 1: FEB 22, MAR 1, 8, 15, 22
Cycle 2: MAY 10, 17, 24, 31

WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Montecito Union School – 385 San Ysidro Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
TIME: 10:00AM – 12:30PM
INTERESTED?
Step 1: Apply at tinyurl.com/AHAspring2025
Step 2: Attend Enrollment Meeting
WHEN: January 7th or 21st
TIME: 5:30 – 6:30PM
WHERE: AHA! office – 923 Olive St., Suite 5, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Please contact Sarah to RSVP

Step 3: Attend mandatory orientation
WHEN: February 1st
TIME: 10:00AM – 12PM
WHERE: Parish Hall – 1535 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
QUESTIONS?
Sarah Block | LLF Enrollment Coordinator | 805-455-3456 sarah@ahasb.org

TBRI Caregiver Package Training
2026-04-17 18:00 - 21:00 | Virtual, CA, United States
Join Pathway Family Services for Truth Relational Intervention Caregiver package training. TBRI is a powerful evidence based trauma intervention. This comprehensive training will go in depth to the three principles of TBRI: empowering, connecting, and correcting.
Gain valuable insight into brain development, proven techniques for healing children of trauma while exploring and addressing our own attachment styles.

Join us for 8 weekly online sessions
April 25th – June 13th, 2025
Register here! [Exact days and times can be selected after registration!]

Call 877-550-KIDS with any questions!

Friday Night Frisbee at West Beach - SB Youth Ultimate
2026-04-17 18:00 - 20:00 | West Beach
Start your weekends this spring with Friday Night Frisbee! We welcome all 10-14 year old boys & girls that are enrolled in grades 6-8 to sign up for 8 weeks of frisbee fun! No experience is necessary. This is more than just a league, it’s a community event. We’ll have a free “Frisbee Fun Zone” with games set up for siblings, parents and onlookers to enjoy.

WHEN: Fridays (starting March 27th to May 15th) from 6:00pm-8:00pm
WHERE: West Beach
REGISTRATION: RSVP required >>
COST: $200 **financial assistance available
CONTACT: Email friday-night-frisbee-admins@sbyu.ultimatecentral.com

Friday Night Frisbee starts on Friday March 27th from 6-8pm at West Beach and continues until May 15th.

Lunch and Learn: Charlie Health - Fusion Academy Santa Barbara
2026-04-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Fusion Academy, Santa Barbara, 510 State Street, Suite 200, Santa Barbara, 93101
Join Fusion Academy Santa Barbara in learning about Charlie Health and their work connecting the world to life-saving behavioral health treatment. Charlie Health is the most trusted intensive outpatient clinic in the U.S., delivering life-changing, personalized care from home through tailored programs for kids, teens, and adults. They are supported by a compassionate team, flexible scheduling, and a safe, collaborative environment designed for real outcomes.

WHEN: Friday, April 17th from 12:00pm-1:00pm
WHERE: Fusion Academy Santa Barbara, 510 State St.
RSVP: RSVP appreciated >>
CONTACT: Email santabarbara@fusionacademy.com or call 805-292-9658

Family to Family Classes
2026-04-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Mental Wellness Center, 617 Garden Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Family to Family is a FREE 8 session education program for family members of adults living with a mental health disorder.
It will help them understand and support their loved one while maintaining their own wellbeing.
If you are interested in registering please call the Family Advocate at 805-325-5580 or email familyadvocate@mentalwellnesscenter.org.
