Mentoring

Mentoring Children of Promise

Mentoring At-Risk Youth
Modeling Behavior, Strengthening Families, Cultivating Promise

At Volunteers of America Western Washington, we believe ALL children have promise. Our strength-based mentoring program reaches out to at-risk youth including children in foster care and young people who's lives have been traumatized by a parent or caregiver's involvement in the criminal justice system. When families are involved in the criminal justice system or kids are being cared for by foster parents, the children struggle to find their way, often without the benefit of a stable or consistent adult in their lives, and that's where Volunteers of America Mentoring Children of Promise steps in.
13 year old John says of his mentor: "He taught me how to survive in the world, how to save money and always listen."
The children in our program rarely have the opportunities that other children have. Often they simply need the chance to play, be a kid and learn new activities to expand their world. Having a mentor - a committed adult who spends time with them - gives kids the opportunity to see life can be different. It can help them heal from wounded family relationships and break the cycle of incarceration and other negative habits simply by experiencing new and different activities. Mentoring Children of Promise breaks children out of negative cycles by matching them with adults who serve as mentors.
	We focus on asset building to help strengthen the concept of family, both for youth and their extended families or foster families through mentors that model safe and trusting relationships, healthy lifestyles and appropriate social behavior. Our qualified staff carefully screens, interviews and matches volunteers with youth and additionally offers support to participating families and mentors. 15 year old Mary says of her mentor: "She taught me about scholarships, different foods and also about different countries. My favorite part about having a mentor was going out to places and laughing."
If the opportunity to make an impact is tugging at you, please consider support in any of the following ways: Become a mentor. A mentor is a volunteer, 21 years old or older, who wants to share activities with youth. Read our Mentor Job Description then download our Volunteer Application Materials , fill out the application and mail it to us today at the address below.
	"It's hard to believe that it has already been over 5 years since I became a mentor with the MCP program. I have nothing but positive things to say about the entire experience; it helps to build confidence and trust, opens up new horizons, and leads to feelings of empowerment and a sense of community. I'm thinking it's probably pretty beneficial to the kids, too!" Volunteer Mentor since 2005.
*"Having that role model helped my son see what it is to one day become a responsible man. Keep it going; it is truly an awesome program. Thank you." Sue, single mother.*
Other Volunteer Opportunities. Don't have time to mentor? We still need your help in a number of areas including technology projects, activity planning and help with special events. Contact us for information about all the possibilities to help at-risk youth in your community. Refer a child at-risk. Read about eligibility requirements in our Youth Brochure or download our Youth Application Materials and mail it to us at the address below. Donating financially makes a great impact too! Its hard to put a price tag on a child inspired, on a life changed. Find out the many ways your financial donation can help. Our mailing address is: Volunteers of America Mentoring Children of Promise PO Box 839 Everett, WA 98206-0839 For more information, email us or call 425-259-2973 x2716.