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​Art of the Matter: Through the Lens

BEST Kids is excited to host our annual Art of the Matter event. This year's theme is "Through The Lens." Join us for a showing of our BEST Kids documentary, The ME in Mentoring, and the award-winning movie "Short Term 12." Make sure to join us after the show for our afterparty for drinks, hors d'oeuvres and desserts.

Mentoring Works
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.

 Art of the Matter: Through the Lens

BEST Kids is excited to host our annual Art of the Matter event. This year's theme is "Through The Lens." We are excited to showcase our BEST Kids documentary, The ME in Mentoring, telling the lived stories of the youth we serve and the impact BEST Kids has on their lives. Also, join us in watching "Short Term 12," an award-winning movie that shares glimpses of common realities youth in foster care and the adults who work alongside them often experience. Make sure to join us after the show for our afterparty for drinks, hors d'oeuvres and desserts.
Event Safety Protocols:
For this event BEST Kids will require either proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the event for all in-person attendees and participants. Masks will also be required throughout the duration of the event indoors with the exception of while actively eating or drinking. We will allow exceptions for attendees who cannot be vaccinated for medical/religious reasons and children under 12, who are not currently approved for the COVID-19 vaccine. Non-vaccinated persons without exemptions are still able to participate in our silent auction and fundraising efforts online.

The Latest

2020
Annual ​Report

We are excited to share our 2020 Annual Report. Review the report to learn more about our accomplishments, financials, and highlights from last year.

BEST Kids
​Information Sessions

Learn more about BEST Kids by joining our recurring ​Information Sessions! 
​Upcoming Sessions: 
Wed. July 21
Wed. August 4
Wed. August 18
Wed. September 1
Wed. September 15
Wed. September 29
Our Information Sessions give people like you the chance to get a better sense of what it takes to become a successful mentor as well as more information about the commitment mentors make and the process of becoming a mentor. Our staff who works with our youth and mentors on a day-to-day basis will be available to answer your questions and get you started on the process. 

Evolution in Action

Evolution in Action is the BEST Kids blueprint for achieving our new mission and vision based on abiding by our organizational values and our three strategic priorities of Engagement, Equity, and Excellence.

BEST Kids Stands in Solidarity​
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 and community violence within our country and our own city that directly and adversely impacts our youth, and in many ways is an added layer of 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, and side with those striving to do the same. We are continuously taking the opportunity to re-examine ourselves and our programming and are dedicated to finding ways we can do and be better. We've created a page on our site to track our efforts in this work on an ongoing basis with more transparency.
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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. 

Social & Emotional Wellness

Academic Achievement

Avoidance of Risky Behavior

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.