Name it & Win it!

Friends for Youth was named by a Friendship back in 1985 and we need YOUR help once again to name our new mentoring program!  

We have an exciting announcement! At the end of this summer, we will be adding a new school-based mentoring program that will take place at Sequoia High School. We will be offering group mentoring to incoming freshman who have been identified as needing extra guidance and support to reach their goals. 

About the Program:

·      Where: Sequoia High School

·      When: Academic year during school hours

·      Student Mentees: Incoming 9^th graders

·      Mentors: Caring adult volunteers

·      Mentor:Student Ratio: 1:4

·      Program Model: Through conversations, activities, and field trips mentees will access tools to develop their interests, build healthy habits and networks, overcome obstacles and reach short and long-term goals.

Program Name: Catchy to teens and adults, may represent a community of support, and students' success. It could even be an acronym... 

Prize: $50 gift card

Deadline for Submission: Wednesday, June 1st

How: Simply email any ideas to info@friendsforyouth.org. The more suggestions the better your chances of winning! 

P.S., Is your mentee all grown up or do you now have more time? If you or someone you know would be interested in getting involved as a group mentor or partner, please contact sarahnorman@friendsforyouth.org for more information.  

Mentee Becomes Mentor

An organizational milestone for Friends for Youth, the first mentee becomes a mentor in 2016

Pictured above are the original photos archived by Friends for Youth of the first meeting between all mentor and mentee matches.

In 1998, 13-year-old Juan found out about Friends for Youth from his friend who was in the program. He was excited to get involved and went to a counselor at Kennedy Middle School to learn more.  Juan had limited resources at home, and was struggling to make friends, pass his classes and improve his English language skills. “I felt like I was missing out on a lot and there was so much to do and see.” 

A few months later, Juan met his mentor, Trish.

“She took me places that I had never been before. We went to Six Flags, we went kayaking, horseback riding, and I visited her at her job, which I thought was cool. She was a DEA Agent at San Francisco Airport. We also watched [her husband’s bike] races.”

Juan attributes his motivation to be healthy, improved social skills, and increased resiliency to the experience. He also said Trish helped him with homework and staff connected him to tutoring services.

He became the first in his family to go to college and graduated with a degree in Child Development. He has since worked as a preschool teacher and is currently in school to become a social worker. Juan reconnected with Friends for Youth for a school project and afterward felt compelled to become a mentor.  “I remembered Trish talking about her job and how she was married. If she made time for me, then I can make time for someone else.”

Juan is now a positive role model for his mentee, Mateo. “It makes me feel good when I expose him to something new… His dad approached me and said I just want to thank you for what you’re doing for [us].”

He recently found Trish on Facebook and exchanged thanks and memories. “I posted a picture of Mateo and myself at the Giants game and she replied that I had made her morning that I was now volunteering.”

Mentoring transforms the lives of youth, families, friends and communities.
Help us expand the ripple effect of mentoring today!