One Child at a Time
BEST Kids is a nonprofit mentoring organization that empowers youth in foster care to build better futures, one child at a time.
BEST Kids Stands in Solidarity
We are deeply saddened by the senseless violence perpetrated by those in positions of authority against Black people across the nation. BEST Kids stands in solidarity with those that continue to fight against this oppression on a daily basis.
It is no secret that over 95% of the youth we serve are members of the Black community. We recognize the systemic racism and inequality, as well as the continued police violence within our country and our own city that directly and adversely impacts our youth, and in many ways is an added layer to the trauma that they continue to experience every day. We refuse to be silent and ignore this issue that our nation has faced for many generations and is still facing today.
Instead, BEST Kids will band together to be an active part of the solution. During these tumultuous times, we are taking the opportunity to re-examine ourselves and our programming and are dedicated to finding ways we can do and be better. We are creating intentional spaces to amplify the voices of our Black youth and are seeking ways to support our Black community both internally and externally. We are equipping our mentors to serve as a support to their mentees as they process and experience all of the racial discord, dysfunction, and pain that is happening in America today. We will continue to strive to support our Black and Brown youth, volunteers, staff, stakeholders, and donors as we are in fear, as we grieve, as we learn, as we protest, and as we take action to build better futures.
Now, more than ever, it is time for us to rise to the occasion of standing for what is right, helping to lift the voices of the often unheard or ignored, and helping to build our brothers and sisters up rather than stand by and allow them to be torn down. We hope you will join us in these continued efforts.
It is no secret that over 95% of the youth we serve are members of the Black community. We recognize the systemic racism and inequality, as well as the continued police violence within our country and our own city that directly and adversely impacts our youth, and in many ways is an added layer to the trauma that they continue to experience every day. We refuse to be silent and ignore this issue that our nation has faced for many generations and is still facing today.
Instead, BEST Kids will band together to be an active part of the solution. During these tumultuous times, we are taking the opportunity to re-examine ourselves and our programming and are dedicated to finding ways we can do and be better. We are creating intentional spaces to amplify the voices of our Black youth and are seeking ways to support our Black community both internally and externally. We are equipping our mentors to serve as a support to their mentees as they process and experience all of the racial discord, dysfunction, and pain that is happening in America today. We will continue to strive to support our Black and Brown youth, volunteers, staff, stakeholders, and donors as we are in fear, as we grieve, as we learn, as we protest, and as we take action to build better futures.
Now, more than ever, it is time for us to rise to the occasion of standing for what is right, helping to lift the voices of the often unheard or ignored, and helping to build our brothers and sisters up rather than stand by and allow them to be torn down. We hope you will join us in these continued efforts.
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The bottom line is that mentoring works. BEST Kids Mentoring Program is guided by the belief that all children are talented. Through one-on-one volunteer mentoring, extensive training, staff support, and experiential learning-based Peer Groups, we encourage our youth to discover and develop their unique skills and abilities. Beginning with children as young as six and continuing, as needed, until adulthood, BEST Kids works to enable youth to develop a positive sense of self, to acquire teamwork and group social skills, and to become productive members of society.
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Our Impact
Every aspect of our programming is designed to reach positive outcomes for the children and youth we serve including academic achievement, social and emotional well-being, the avoidance of risky behaviors, and the development of independent living skills. Here are a few statistics from our program surveys completed by youth, mentors, and caregivers:
Social & Emotional Wellnesspercent
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Academic Achievementpercent
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Avoidance of Risky Behaviorpercent
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Our Stories
Brett & TBrett and T were able to build a strong bond by discovering mutual interests with one another. They used these common interests as an outlet for fun and as the foundation of a strong, long-lasting relationship that has seen T through many transitions and difficulties.
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Lyle & MichaelMichael is the very first mentee to be matched at BEST Kids. Although he has seen many ups and downs over the years, he's always had his mentor Lyle at his side. After spending his entire life in foster care, Michael has now aged-out; however, he still can depend on Lyle to navigate early adulthood and self-sufficiency.
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Whitney & DavidWhitney was a former foster youth herself who made a point to give back to her community through mentoring. She's been matched as David's mentor since 2014. Together, they've experienced tons of fun and a tremendous amount of growth.
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