“As a school counselor, I have had the opportunity to work and interact with many children with varying degrees of social and emotional challenges. Through my work, I have learned that the most important mitigating factor in helping to develop resilient children is for kids to have a strong mentoring relationship with a trusted adult. While most of our children have this type of relationship with a parent or a family member, the vulnerable few are not so blessed. The KidStart program goes a long way to fill that void in our community.”

“Before my son had a mentor he was headed towards a very self-destructive path…he would get in fights at school, be in the principal’s office at least twice a week, use very bad language, sit around the house not wanting to do any activities, and have no respect for his family at home. Since meeting his mentor, he has improved already with having someone that can spend time with just him…he has not had any fights at school or been in the principles office yet this year. He does not swear anymore, thanks to a chat about inappropriate language from his mentor. He looks forward to the activities that he and his mentor are going to do for the week. No more just sitting around the house fighting with his brother.” 

“My granddaughter has more pride and confidence because of her mentor’s commitment over the years. She was patient and helped her understand things about life and the difficulties she faced. Her mentor encouraged and coached her to her best at school. Raising grand-kids is hard and this program has helped me more than words can say.”