Jun 26, 2025
“Volunteering is my caffeine, like how some people say they have to have it to get through the day,” she explained. “Serving others is my passion. Serving is my heart. Serving is who I am. Even as a young child, I served in convalescent homes reading to the elderly. I genuinely love making people smile and letting them know they are loved and that they matter.”
Originally from Delano, Timi Ann graduated from California State University, Bakersfield. She taught elementary school before shifting to work in her husband’s chiropractic practice, Alpha Omega Wellness Center.
Through a roundabout connection made while volunteering at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Timi Ann met her husband, Dr. David Mongold. They have eight children: Jordin, 35, Kahara, 31, Tristin, 27, Tommi Jo, 24, JoVi, 19, Luke James, 15, Faith, 13 and Levi, 8, with whom they volunteer.
A certified foster parent for more than 16 years, Timi Ann also speaks with an acute awareness of the broader community.
“My continued prayer is that everyone, specifically Kern County, would be educated and get involved with the foster care community, which in turn is also a part of homelessness, addiction, mental health, trafficking and so much more,” said Timi Ann. “There are so many misconceptions about foster care but what a wonderful blessing it is to be able to bridge the gap and allow a child to come into your life and change it for the better. The fact is, the number of kids in foster care outweighs the number of open homes, forcing kids to be constantly bounced around, and I will never be okay with that.”
Although adoption has been part of the Mongold family’s story, reunification remains the primary goal of foster care and ensuring community resources are available also helps families meet that goal. Timi Ann expressed her belief that everyone can do something to help.
“Trust me when I say there is always time to volunteer! I am a full-time working mom with three littles still at home and at any given time during the week, you can find me serving at the Blessing Corner Outreach Ministries, The Mission at Kern County, Encore Boutique, Kern Bridges Youth Homes, Bakersfield Christian High School and dozens of others that I’ve been blessed to serve with while simultaneously sharing the love of Jesus Christ,” she said. “There are so many tasks my 8-year-olds and 13-year-olds can do alongside me, from sorting socks at The Mission, to planting in the garden and making up baskets. My Mom is a senior citizen and she has some physical limitations but she can serve. I can bring tasks home to her, like stuffing envelopes or calling donors and sponsors. There are so many different capacities in which people can volunteer at all ages.”
Q&A: Three Questions with Timi Ann Mongold
Q. We often talk with mothers in phases of life that can seem lonely or isolating, especially as they raise young children. What advice do you have for women going through that phase of life?
A.️ If you’re ever feeling lonely or isolated, you need to get out and serve others and if you have children, take your children with you to serve! There is one thing that we are all given the exact same of and that is 24 hours a day. The way you choose to use your 24 hours is up to you.
Serving others through the love of Christ is the best kind of medicine no money can buy. It will fill your cup, both mentally and physically!
David, Luke, JoVi, Faith, Timi Ann serving at The Mission at Kern County during the holiday season. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MISSION AT KERN COUNTY
A. So many different nonprofit organizations need volunteers. Here are three:
Kern Bridges Youth Homes: 661-396-2301
CASA of Kern County: 661-631-2272
Bakersfield Angels: 661-735-3020
Q. What is the best way to get started with foster care?
A. It starts with a conversation. There are so many ways foster care impacts the community and people in it that others just don’t realize until someone brings it up. Not everyone can foster but everyone can support foster care in one way or another.
Fill-in-the-blanks with Timi Ann Mongold
The first thing I do when I wake up is: Open my eyes and say, ‘Thank you, Lord, for another day.’
Favorite food: Miguel’s Queso Dip at Yard House
The best book I’ve read lately is: “Walk to Beautiful” by Jimmy Wayne and his “Meet Me Halfway” movement bringing awareness to foster youth aging out of the system and homelessness among young people.
Best life advice: Volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, sponsor. If you can’t sponsor, donate. If you can’t donate, educate.
