• Kids need mentors as never before
  
• Mentoring works
  
• Kids want mentors
  
• Mentors find it rewarding
  
• You can make the difference
  
• Statewide Mentoring Partnership
  
• Contact Information
  
  

DSHS programs provide mentors to youth who:

• Have families afflicted by abuse of drugs or alcohol, or both.
• Are living in foster care because their birth families cannot or will provide adequate care for them.
• Are in juvenile rehabilitation.
• Are learning to live and excel with disabilities.

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy has studied the mentoring program in Washington's juvenile justice system, finding it reduced recidivism, or re-offending, and returns $3.58 of benefit to society for every dollar spent.

Research consistently shows that kids benefit from relationships with caring adults in addition to parents. A study of 1,000 young people for Big Brothers Big Sisters showed that, compared to other groups, children with mentors were 46 % less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, 53 % less likely to skip school, 33% less likely to engage in school violence. They also showed improved peer and family relationships.

Since 1998, when Kathy started mentoring LaRae in King County, Washington, they have been each other's best cheerleaders, encouraging each other to achieve their dreams. After LaRae's car accident, LaRae realized how much Kathy meant to her. Kathy returned the admiration by saying, "LaRae has changed my life."

Says LaRae: "Mentors - what do they mean? First and foremost - support, friendship, love, someone to talk to. What it has meant to me is knowing that every Friday I have something to look forward to. Kathy has been there through thick and thin. No matter what it is, she is there. It doesn't matter where, when, what or how; she will do what it takes to solve the issue. Mentors are one of the best things that have ever happened to me."

Says Kathy: "LaRae and I matched in Echo Glen (juvenile rehabilitation center) on Jan. 10, 1998. She was released and sent to a group home. My plan was to be consistent and commit to visiting her once a week as the JRA (DSHS Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration) mentor training had recommended. Her goals were in order: school, job hunt, and then get an apartment. I called Hazel Cameron, my supervisor, often, for guidance. I received the professional support that I needed and was able to develop a relationship with LaRae.

"LaRae is funny, impulsive, never boring. She has a wonderful ability to see things in their own light. LaRae organized her life the way that she likes it, and she is fearless . . . on March 9, 2001, she had a horrible, horrible car accident which left her body broken. She was told that she wouldn't be able to walk for a long time, but this only made her spirit stronger as her long recovery took place with several surgeries. She healed again...got an apartment, car, and a job!! Currently, LaRae has her very own business and will still do lunch!! I am very lucky to have her in my life I have many rewards for being a mentor and I love her."

Think back to your childhood and your teen years.

Who mentored you?

Have you thanked them?

Have you passed on what they gave to you?

Besides a personal expression of your gratitude to them, mentoring a youth today is another way you can thank them - by passing it on.

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is part of a coalition of community-based organizations across Washington that are providing mentors for at-risk youth - and recruiting suitable adults so that every youth who needs a mentor gets one.

The $500,000 in state funds is being matched by private dollars to enhance recruitment and support and training of mentors for at-risk youth.

The Mentoring Partnership is co-chaired by Lt. Governor Brad Owen and Steve Kelley with the Seattle Times.

As a further DSHS contribution to the Mentoring Partnership, DSHS has assigned Tom Pennella as a loaned executive to serve as Deputy Director of the Partnership.

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