The results are in from the Communities In Schools of Federal Way mentoring surveys given to mentors, the families of young people mentored, and participating school staff. Federal Way started its mentoring program to offer kids the emotional support they need to grow their skills in problem solving, goal setting, confidence building, and social understanding.
Depending on the survey topics, fifty to ninety percent of the young people in the program have a better attitude, improved behavior, improved confidence, and in general try harder. And so critical to life success, they have better relationships with adults and an understanding that education creates opportunity.
Parents, teachers and school counselors all praise the program. “They’re all basically smart, good kids but they’re unsettled and anxious. Their mentors help them understand that we’re all trying to help and genuinely want them to succeed,” remarked one teacher. “When they understand that a whole new world opens up to them.”
Likewise the mentors themselves describe the transformation they see in their kids. “It’s so gratifying to see a child who’s struggling continue to improve week after week,” says mentor Dean Anderson. Other mentors describe the personal growth they experience as mentors. Says Darcy Webb, “I am in [school] management so I don’t have a chance to work with kids very often. It’s rewarding to have the opportunity to get to make a difference in the life of a young person.”
One of the most important factors that determine youth success is the involvement of a caring adult – a healthy relationship with someone they can depend on and who bring out the best in them. You can be that adult. Learn more how you can connect with a young person and change their life.