FUND A NEED

A couple of years ago, we began working with a local mentoring organization called Friends of the Children. We were initially cautious because this organization is very unique and doesn’t look like a typical mentoring organization. As we eased into a relationship with Friends of the Children, we became more comfortable with their model of mentorship. When we think about most other mentoring organizations, we normally think of a child being matched with a volunteer who would commit to spending a few hours a week or month with the child while receiving support from a case manager. While those organizations do have some great successes, they also have shortcomings due to the nature of the relationship and life changes that happen over time with either the volunteer or the child.

Friends of the Children is different. Their program is highly structured and they only accept children at age 5. They make a bold, unwavering commitment: they pair each child they serve (normally from the foster system) with a salaried, professional mentor, called a Friend, for 12+ years, from kindergarten through high school graduation. No matter what. This year, they reached a major milestone: they celebrated the first three youth from the program to graduate from high school, each of whom has been with their mentor since they were in kindergarten. After 12 years of showing up, through every new foster placement, transition and triumph, their Friends stood beside those young men as they walked across the graduation stage. We had a chance to meet with four of the young men who have been in the program since age 5. One who recently graduated and three who will graduate this year. To say they were impressive would be an understatement. When you consider their situations, it was remarkable. These are kids who would have most likely had no chance without this program. Now, they are poised, disciplined, articulate and confident young men. Excited and prepared to face their future.