FAITHFUL FRIENDS

Description

We match volunteer individuals, couples, or families as mentors to kids ages 6 through 9. The mentor/mentee matches meet 3-4 times each month and commit to at least 1 year. We partner with local churches throughout the Portland metro area to find mentors. Each mentor is required to complete 6 hours of training and an extensive vetting process that takes an average of 10-12 hours to complete. Mentors enthusiastically and patiently include a child in every day activities, building trust between true friends.

To find potential mentees, we partner with schools and community organizations to identify kids in need of a mentor. These partners work with the parent or guardian to refer their child. Our families are engaged throughout the matching process, hosting our staff for a home visit where our team discerns the needs of the family and best fit for the child. Taking into account the story, interests, and personality of both the mentor and mentee, we then make matches between those who live within 5 miles. Our staff introduces the mentor to their mentee and family at what we call a "match visit" at the mentees home. A friendship begins!