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Mentoring Youth in King County

4C Mentoring NEWS February 2022

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Meet Jeff and Jonathan: 10 years and counting

For ten years, Jeff has been matched with Jonathan through the 4C Coalition Mentoring Program, which pairs troubled teenagers with carefully trained mentors. Their relationship has grown over the years, evolving into an important part of both their lives.


“When we first got together, Jonathan was 13 years old," says Jeff. "When I agreed to be a mentor, I didn’t really know what I was walking into. Although there is no downside to mentoring, it does take a serious commitment.”


Jonathan enjoys the friendship that Jeff offers. "I see Jeff as a kind of grandfather figure,” says Jonathan. “We do all sorts of things together: climb Mount Pilchuck, hike at Mt. Rainier and attend Mariner games. Often times, we’ll just get together and have dinner.” 


Jonathan is one class away from earning his associate degree at Shoreline Community College. His next stop: attending the University of Washington in the fall. "Jeff has encouraged me and he checks in on me between visits,” says Jonathan.


Research has shown that mentoring has a powerful effect on young people in many ways -- personal, academic and professional -- but the real proof is seeing it in action through successful mentor relationships like Jeff and Jonathan.




Toy Drive brightens the holidays for 60 youth

4C partnered with Madison Valley Preschool to sponsor a Holiday Toy Drive this winter. The preschool’s Maria Kennedy coordinated the collection of toys and 4C’s Katie Keniston wrapped the 115 presents and distributed them to 60 boys and girls in the 4C mentee community.



This was our first toy drive. It was such a success that Madison Valley Preschool and 4C are considering making this an annual event. We hope you'll join us next year!


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From group mentoring to the NFL

Vita Vea uses mentoring to level the playing field

Tevita Tuliʻakiʻono Tuipulotu Mosese Vaʻhae Fehoko Faletau Vea -- better known as Vita Vea -- is an American football nose tackle for the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is also a former 4C Coalition mentor.


Before being drafted in 2018 by the Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL draft, Vita Vea played college football for the University of Washington. It was at the UW that he became a mentor in the 4C Coalition program.


In fact, seven UW football players recruited through Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement have mentored youth at the 4C Coalition. The evidence-based 4C approach, which focuses on helping youth to make good decisions, also inspires critical thinking, skills development and activism.  


More About Vita and 4C Group Mentoring.



Read a NY Times profile of Vita Vea here.




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Black History Month

In February, we celebrate Black History Month, a time to acknowledge the achievements and recognize the challenges faced by Black people around the world. Black History Month is recognized by the U.S. and Canadian governments and more recently observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom


More about Black History Month


Thank You, Mentors!

Our mentors are the lifeblood of our organization.They give selflessly of their time and energy in their desire to change a young life.


Some of our mentors spoke with us briefly about their reasons for mentoring and the mentor-mentee relationship.



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Read more in their own words


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Volunteer, Mentor, Tutor and Artist

Jayashree Krishnan and her colorful gifts from the heart


Eight years ago, Jayashree Krishnan contacted 4C and volunteered as a mentor. She was matched with a 12-year-old girl who lived with her grandmother. It was "a roller coaster experience, one that took a lot of emotional energy," recalls Jayashree, but one she would do again. “When I think I can help someone," says Jayashree, "I do.” 



Next, Jayashree recruited her friends from the India Association of Western Washington to tutor mentees.Their work began before Covid-19 and continued throughout the pandemic when the tutoring was done remotely.


“We are blessed beyond words for the support of the people from the India Association who have stepped up to provide tutoring for 4C youth,” says Hazel Cameron, 4C Coalition Executive Director.


Tutors from the India Association have provided support in language arts, math, science and other core classes as well as helped students access classes and complete their homework assignments.


Each tutor has a special story to tell. Jayashree, for example, is an accomplished artist. From May 2020 to March 2021, she created 165 watercolor portraits of medical workers on the front lines that she presented to the healthcare workers -- with her gratitude for their endless care and support.


Check out Jayashree's paintings.




4C Coalition: Powerful force for change for King County youth

The 4C Coalition is a community-based nonprofit organization founded in 1999 that helps Black and other youth of color succeed in school and in life.


We offer one-on-one mentoring,

group mentoring and tutoring to

12- to 17-year-olds in King County.


Participating students are matched with carefully trained Black adults who provide support, friendship, encouragement and advice.


The goal is to make sure these youth graduate from high school—avoiding gangs, violence, addiction and prison — and then go to college, find meaningful work and lead productive lives.






Racial Equity Matters

At United Way, we’re addressing racial inequities head on. We know that with our funding and policy-making influence—and donor support—we can change racial inequities in King County.







We partner with United Way of King County

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1404 East Yesler Way, Suite 202A, Seattle, WA 98122

(206)772- 1434 info@the4ccoalition.org

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