Mentor Program Mission Statement
The mission of A Family For Every Child's Mentor Program is to bring enthusiastic, dedicated, caring adult members of our community and unite them with youth in foster care and/or youth at risk in our community. To provide someone who can be a friend, who will encourage and support them through the various transitions in their life, help instill independence, confidence and everyday life skills they will need — and ultimately to build long lasting relationships.
How Do Mentors Help?
When kids enjoy a regular, positive activity with an adult over the course of a year, those kids are 46% less likely to begin using drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52% less likely to skip school. This decreases drug-related suspensions, drug related crime, and the number of babies born drug-affected. Children guided by positive role models are more likely to improve their academic performance, make better decisions, have more self confidence, and a sense of belonging. Foster youth with a mentor tend to have better relationships with parents/caregivers, teachers and peers. They are also more likely to attend and graduate from college.
––A study conducted by Big Brothers, Big Sisters
Program Goals
- Connect youth with positive members of their community to build friendships and have role models..
- To provide youth with someone who may provide support and guidance
- To provide support and connection for youth and help those transitions they may experience (transition back home, transition to adulthood, etc.)
- To help the youth and the mentor form a strong bond; to provide the youth with someone to call "just because." To provide a potentially permanent relationship for the youth.
- Teach independent living/life skills, instill creativity, and promote the youth's self esteem.
Who We Serve
Our program serves Oregon youth in Lane County, the greater Portland area, and other areas of Western Oregon. We serve children who are at risk and in need of permanent connections due to being in foster care or have been exposed to experience that could hinder their full potential. If you have questions please contact our Lane County Mentor Director, Emma Stahl at emma@afamilyforeverychild.org, or you can complete a referral form. To learn more about the kids we serve, click here.Contact Information
For more information on the program, please contact the Mentor Director, Emma Stahl, at emma@afamilyforeverychild.org .
Office: (541) 343-2856, info@afamilyforeverychild.org .
Did you know we accept Community Mentor Referrals?
You do not need to have an open DHS case or need to be a foster care youth to obtain mentoring services. Single parents, School Officials, Therapists and Community Partners may submit a request to obtain mentoring services. Have questions? Please contact the Program Director, Emma or simply complete our user friendly mentor referral form online!
Click here to complete a mentor referral request.
