Student Led Ministries Urban Initiative
Urban Initiative is dedicated to developing a Christ-centered heart for urban engagement at Westmont by raising awareness about urban issues and mobilizing students in thoughtful response.
Get involved with our local ministries and/or Fall/Spring Break Experiences
Support Urban Initiative
This organization is funded solely through the generosity of people like you. If you would like to support Urban Initiative, please click on the button below and select "Urban Initiative " when prompted.
Send a Valentine Gift
Pre-order flowers and/or chocolates for Valentine's Day through "Operation Valentine". Place a secure online order form by clicking button below. All proceeds will go to support the ministry of the Urban Initiative. Last day to order is January 31st.
Short-Term Immersion Trips
SPRING BREAK IN THE CITY
Trip Descriptions
Chicago: Spring Break in the City
Encounter the rhythms and realities of the third most populous city in the United States. By partnering with an organization called BridgeBuilders, participants will have the opportunity to listen to and learn from the members of the Woodlawn community of Chicago. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the Bible’s teachings on shalom, poverty, justice, race and culture, and hospitality, as well as being able to engage with the community through responsible and sustainable service projects alongside BridgeBuilders' community partners.
Themes: Marginalized Communities, Racial Equality & Justice, Biblical Shalom, Community Development, Hospitality
Los Angeles: Spring Break in the City
Immerse yourself in the diversity of the city of Los Angeles. Learn about homelessness on Skid Row, opportunities for formerly gang-involved men and women at Homeboy Industries, the work of Christ through various ministries throughout the city, and the unique complexities that come with living out the Gospel in a multicultural urban setting.
Themes: Skid Row, Homelessness, Former gang member rehabilitation, Cultural neighborhoods, Biblical Shalom
San Francisco: Spring Break in the City
Engage and learn from the unhoused, youth and LBTQ+ community of the Tendorloin neighborhood. You will have the opportunity to partner with YWAM San Francisco and City Hope through relationship-building, hearing stories, serving hot-meals meanwhile witnessing the Imago Dei in those you encounter.
Themes: Homelessness, LBTQ+ community, Cultural neighborhoods, Biblical Shalom, Cultural neighborhoods.
Local Outreach
Bread of Life is a weekly meal-sharing program at Alameda Park where Westmont students - in collaboration with SB ACT and local faith communities - spearhead a unique opportunity to meaningfully engage with our friends without homes in Santa Barbara.
JOIN US
We meet every Thursday 6:30-8PM. Meet at 6pm at the KSC parking lot above the Dining Commons for transportation. So, join us this week! For more information contact Didi Bulow: dbulow@westmont.edu
Conversation Café works to build relationships with the international students in Santa Barbara by providing a safe space for intercultural, interfaith, and interpersonal dialogue at The Loft in downtown Santa Barbara. Click here for more information.
JOIN US
The café runs every Thursday from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Meet in the KSC parking lot at 3:30PM. We look forward to having you join us at the cafe' this week! For more information contact Anna Luce: aluce@westmont.edu
East Side Kid's Club is a weekly faith-based after-school program where the children from the Eastside's lower income Latino community experience God's love through relationships, care, empowerment, and mentoring by volunteer leaders.
JOIN US
Kids Club happens Thursdays 5-8pm. Transportation is provided. Hope you can join us! For more information contact Patti Hunter: phunter@westmont.edu
Immigrant Hope provides resources for legal residents such as a Civic Course for English and Spanish Speaking adults that are applying for naturalization. Immigrant Hope prepares students for the civics test, which requires individuals to carry a conversation in English and have basic knowledge of the U.S government and its History. In order to see individuals succeed, tutoring and child care is provided for individuals and it is our hope to see them pass their civics exam.
JOIN US
We meet every Monday from 5:30-8:30pm. Meet at 5 PM in the KSC parking lot above the Dining Commons. Transportation is provided. So, join us this week! For more information Contact:
Training C.A.M.P. is dedicated to providing a bright future for our city's lower resourced youth. Our vision is to see every student in the Santa Barbara community graduate high school, fully equipped to excel in every area of life. We provide both after-school programs at local elementary schools and by hosting quarterly sports camps to the broader Santa Barbara community.
JOIN US
Weekly commitment is Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 3:30-5 pm. For more information contact Carlos Sandoval: csandoval@westmont.edu
Opportunities for involvement through great SB organizations
Explore great opportunities through the postings found in HandShake of local Non-profit organizations that need volunteers like you!
In conjunction with Urban Initiative and Residence Life, the Santa Barbara Outreach Coordinator (SBOC) is a resource within his or her residence hall community to educate and connect students with local volunteer opportunities by partnering with local ministries and non-profits, hosting educative events in the residence hall, and growing in his or her personal knowledge of urban issues.
SBOCs by Dorm
Page:
Emerson:
Clark:
Armington:
Van Kampen:
Off-Campus:
Urban Initiative Education and Outreach Coordinator: Sydney Azzarello: sazarello@westmont.edu
Urban Initiative Information
Core Leadership Team
2022-2023 Core leadership TEAM
UI Director | Victoria (Vicki) Silva |
UI Business Manager | Caroline (Carly) Field |
UI Publicity & Travel Coordinator | Emma Hammond |
UI Local Coordinator | Sydney Azarello |
UI Education & Outreach Coordinator | Sydney Azarello |

Contact
OFFICE HOURS
We look forward to meeting with you! Please email us if you would like to stop by during office hours.
The Urban Initiative office is located on the 2nd floor of the Kerr Student Center (KSC)
CONTACT US
Urban Initiative Core Leadership Team
Phone: 805-565-6800 (office)
Email: urban_initiative@westmont.edu
Staff Director:
Taylor Mache
Interim Assistant Director of Campus Life for Ministry & Outreach
Email: tmache@westmont.edu