Why BEST Kids Mentoring Program? There are many effective mentoring programs aimed at helping society’s less fortunate children, but very few are focused totally on foster care children. We are the first pilot program in the District of Columbia to provide volunteer mentors dedicated to mentoring children in foster care.

The BEST Kids program is the only volunteer mentoring program we know of in the District of Columbia that does all of the following:

• Provides one-on-one volunteer mentors motivated by a genuine desire to improve the lives of the children they are matched with.
• Focuses on both early and long-term intervention. We start with children as young as six years old and continue with them, as needed, until they turn 18 years old. We encourage relationships well beyond 18 to pave the children’s paths to successful independent living.
• Assists the mentors through in-depth training conducted on an on-going basis by highly trained mental health professionals with deep knowledge and experience on issues these children face daily.
• Facilitates a regular peer group designed to create a sense of belonging for the children.
• Continually evaluates our progress and provides feedback to our mentors through consultation with professionals who use widely accepted assessment instruments.

We believe this comprehensive integrated approach will yield incredible returns for each dollar invested.

For more information on BEST Kids Mentoring Program, we invite you to visit our Unique Approach, Program Description, Philosophy, and Mentor Support pages.