CALM’s mission is to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities throughout Santa Barbara County.

In 1969, Claire Miles, a local nurse, learned that an overworked and emotionally stressed father had, in a moment of desperation, shaken his infant son to death. Claire took immediate action, put a phone in her living room, then took out classified ads in the Santa Barbara News-Press urging parents in need to call for help. The phone rang almost 40 times that first month. She and her friends took turns answering the calls, with the hope of helping stressed parents before they hurt their children.

For over 50 years, CALM has been on the cutting edge of childhood trauma treatment and prevention. CALM has led the nonprofit community in adopting evidence-based practices in our treatment and prevention models, using assessment and data to continuously evaluate our effectiveness and improve our work.

Our team of over 100 CALM staff and dedicated volunteers share a vision of supporting every family in our community so that every child thrives.

Learn about CALM’s Leadership and Board of Trustees.

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