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.
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Virtual Superhero 5K & Fun Run
Join our first every Virtual Superhero 5K & Fun Run!
In place of our physical race this year, we will be hosting a virtual race from May 1 - May 31, 2020. Commit to run, walk, or jog to celebrate the everyday heroes that make an impact in the lives of youth in foster care!
In place of our physical race this year, we will be hosting a virtual race from May 1 - May 31, 2020. Commit to run, walk, or jog to celebrate the everyday heroes that make an impact in the lives of youth in foster care!
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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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Superhero 5K & Fun Run
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Join us this May for our FIRST EVER Virtual Superhero 5K & Fun Run!
Between May 1st and 31st we are asking our supporters to get out and run, walk, or jog in solidarity with the BEST Kids team and the clients we serve. This family-friendly fundraising event celebrates the everyday superheroes that make a positive impact in the lives of DC's youth in foster care. |
Mentor and Mentee of the Year
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Lauren & Ty'shanna
BEST Kids is proud to present our Mentor & Mentee Pair of the Year, Lauren and Ty'shanna!
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. |
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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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