A Mentoring Program Built on Friendship
Friends for Youth’s goal is to create quality mentoring relationships for youth who need them most and to close the mentoring gap for the 1-in-3 young people who grow up without this critical support. Our 1-to-1 program provides youth with a volunteer mentor who cares about them and takes the role of a stable, safe, and supportive adult figure in their lives.
Mentor in Your Community
Volunteer mentors are matched 1-to-1 with a youth, ages 8-17, living in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Our program includes either a 1 year or 6 month dedication to ensure youth develop a long-term, trusting relationship with their mentor. Friendships are carefully matched according to interests, hobbies, and goals, with consideration of where mentors live and work.
How it Works
Friendships meet weekly in the community to do fun activities based on their interests and goals. These meeting can be done virtually or in person, depending on their schedule. They receive consistent support from Friends for Youth's staff, and are provided with unique opportunities. Mentees develop important social and life skills and are able to access new opportunities through their mentor.
Friendship Stories
95% of our matches complete the one-year program, far exceeding the national average for similar programs. Many of our Friendships exceed their program dedication and stay in touch for years after completing the Friends for Youth program.
Our Youth
Our youth are referred to us by counselors, teachers, and youth working professionals due to their different levels of needs and multiple challenges. Most live in single-parent households, whose household income is below the poverty level. Some have mental health needs, have witnessed or been a victim of domestic abuse, or have been involved in gang violence.
Many suffer from emotional or behavioral issues, social and academic difficulties, and a general lack of experiences and opportunities. Having a caring adult role model that they can trust allows them to navigate life's challenges while making positive choices about their future.
After completing their mentorship, 100% of our mentees avoided school suspension, 100% avoided the juvenile justice system, 100% believed their mentor was a good match, 100% agreed that their mentors helped them find positive ways to deal with challenging issues and emotions and 85% agreed that they were better people after participating in this program. As a result they have avoided engaging in risky behaviors, and show more interest in higher education and career planning.