Our Impact
Our Method
In order to obtain the most accurate data for quality assurance and program improvement, BEST Kids surveys all youth participants, caregivers, and mentors with evidence-based evaluations. Administered at baseline and continuing every 6 months, the evaluations cover critical youth development areas such as an assessment of the youth's strengths and difficulties, individual match quality and overall health, and cognitive and social functioning.
The Breakdown
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The strongest indicator of our success is the length of our mentoring relationships, which only continues to improve. Youth stay within BEST Kids an average of 4.4 years, with an average match length of 28.8 months. This statistic is indicative of the comprehension of our program; each mentoring match is provided with consistent support, training, and supervision.
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“Taylor loves his mentor and feels as if his mentor truly cares about him. They have a great relationship and Taylor has been able to do some very fun activities and go on various outings, which he reports really enjoying. He has gained a better sense of self and his mentor is helping him work on planning for the future and developing realistic goals.”
- CFSA Social Worker
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"[My mentor] is like a second mother to me. It's just good to have another person there right beside you, helping you with things that you need." -Angel, 15 years old/
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74.3% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them believe more adults care about them.
73.5% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them feel that they are a good person.51.7% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them get along with others better./
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My mentor helps me by helping me control my behavior because I get really hyper. My behavior is changing really well. For example, I might be bad in school, but now that I'm in BEST Kids, I'm acting better. -David, 12 years old/
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68.3% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them go to school more regularly.51.4% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them earn better grades and test scores.74.3% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them not skip school or class without permission. /
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[BEST Kids] is really good. It keeps kids like me out of trouble, just by being able to get out more and hang out with people my age and have fun. -Brandon, 17 years old/
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75% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them avoid using tobacco or cigarettes.67.1% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them care more about following the law.82% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them avoid alcohol./
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"[My mentor] is always trying to help me strive and push me in what I want to do in life and what I want to be. He helps me achieve that goal." -Jordan, 17 years old/
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64.7% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them advocate for themselves.
63.6% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them find new interests and hobbies.
78.9% of mentees
reported that having a mentor helps them work on achieving their goals.
