Serving at-risk youth throughout the San Francisco Peninsula, our mentoring program matches youth with adult volunteers. The youth in our program are referred by teachers, counselors, and youth service experts. Our youth are "at-risk," meaning they may be facing problems at home with their families, struggling at school, or have issues with their peers or in their communities.
These young people - called "Junior Friends" - are ages 8-17 and need a positive, supportive adult in their lives. Volunteer mentors - "Senior Friends" - serve as a friend and role model, making a real difference in a young person's self-esteem, ability to communicate, and decision-making skills.
Junior and Senior Friends spend an average of three hours a week together for at least one year. The time is spent doing fun things young people do - going to ballgames, the movies, visiting the zoo, shopping, eating, reading, or just hanging out. And Friends for Youth provides group activities that all Friendships are welcome to join!
Mentoring impacts
at-risk youth in profound ways,
helping them stay in school, improve school performance, increase their motivation,
and reduce future involvement with the Juvenile Justice System.
