Would you like to change the life of a foster child?
Many of our organizations do wonderful things to help foster children. Are you looking for other ways that can make a huge impact on the youth in your area? Start a mentor program and we are here to help.
A Family for every child was started in 2006 and has developed many successful programs to help youth in foster care. One of our most successful programs is our mentor program. Our goal for our mentor program is to create meaningful mentoring relationships that will help increase the odds for future success for the young person. Studies show that surrounding foster care youth with positive role models will help increase their odds for future success.
Mentoring relationships can play a huge role in helping foster youth reach their potential and have healthy successful lives. Research shows that youth who are mentored are 45 percent less likely to use illicit drugs; 59 percent more likely to succeed in school; and 73 percent more likely to attain higher life achievement goals. Foster youth are moved from school to school and home to home. They lack stability and permanency. It is our responsibility to ensure that these youth have the opportunity to build lasting relationships. These youth can learn to thrive when someone gives them the time and energy to show they care.
Want to set up a mentor program in your area?
The mentor support system provides guidelines on how to build new mentor programs and/or successfully help strengthen your old program. It focuses on designing and planning the program, managing the program and sustaining the program. As Oprah Winfrey once said, "A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself."
We will provide the following assistance for agencies working with "at risk" youth.
- Selecting the management team for your organization.
- Developing a financial plan
- Promoting the program
- Building relationships with Department of Human Services, therapists, schools.
- Building relationships with community partners.
- Recruiting mentors.
- Training, screening, background checks on mentors.
- Matching process.
- Monitoring and support of the mentor/mentee relationship.
- Evaluation of the program's success.
- Sustaining the program.