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.

Mentor and Mentee of the Year

Lauren & Ty'shanna
BEST Kids is proud to present our Mentor & Mentee Pair of the Year, Lauren and Ty'shanna!
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Ty’shanna first came to BEST Kids along with her four younger brothers in 2011 and had three mentors before Lauren. She was one of the founding members of the first ever BEST Kids Youth Advisory Council and she continues to serve and share her wisdom on the council.

Lauren has been mentoring with BEST Kids since 2013, with Ty’shanna being her second mentee. We are so grateful for Lauren and the ways she consistently showed up for Ty’shanna and for BEST Kids.

Much of Lauren and Ty’shanna’s past year was spent focusing on education which resulted in Ty’shanna enrolling in Excel Academy to earn her high school diploma this year. Lauren and Ty’shanna’s relationship embodies a sense of mutuality, consistency, and simply showing up that hope to emulate throughout our program.

2019 ART of the Matter


Our 7th Annual ART of the Matter art showcase and silent auction was held September 24, 2019 at our new venue, City Winery DC! Each year, this fundraising event benefits our mentoring program for youth in the Washington, DC area foster care system. ART of the Matter celebrates a wonderful collection of art that includes pieces created by our very own mentors and mentees! 

Thank you to all the individuals, corporations, and organizations that participated in and supported ART of the Matter this year and every year. Your support makes the work of BEST Kids possible! 
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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 Wellness

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Academic Achievement

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Avoidance of Risky Behavior

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Our Stories

Brett & T

Brett 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.

Lyle & Michael

Michael 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. 

Whitney & David

Whitney 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.