The Mentoring Network

For 20 years The Mentoring Network, Inc. has been improving life outcomes for an increasing number of vulnerable and disengaged youth who struggle daily with high risk factors in their lives. Our one-to-one mentoring services to schools in Canyon and Owyhee counties help these youth develop resilience skills and encourage them to develop personal strengths and increase their self-sufficiency. The work of The Mentoring Network is focused on individual children. Trained mentors work directly with youth in a 1:1 relationship for 1 hour per week spending time in activities meaningful to that student, such as working with a hobby, playing a game, or talking. When mentees are asked on their year-end surveys why they like having a mentor they consistently note two reasons: 1) They listen to me and 2) They care about me. School-based mentoring is a viable, safe, and successful way to help youth bridge problematic issues in their life and develop a vision as a positive and productive member of the community. Often the mentor is the only adult consistently in a child’s life. By giving these children hope and support they become better citizens, giving back to others in the community through their talents and strengths.