RECRUITING MENTORS TO SAVE A GENERATION
Fall 2021
Greeting the new school year

This fall, our signature program The Rising started with a new cohort of 80 student scholars and families who are participating at either Meany or Denny International middle schools. Students start in 6th grade and most stay with the program for three years.
 
Our first cohort of 40 students graduated from The Rising earlier this year. We hope their participation changed the landscape of their lives and helped them and their families envision a more positive future. We are proud of them all!
 
We are excited to report that two of our Rising scholars received full academic scholarships to O’Dea High School in Seattle’s First Hill neighborhood. In this issue of Momentum, you can read more about this amazing opportunity and meet a few of our outstanding mentors.
  
As we begin a new school year, we've transitioned back to in-person programs and doing what we can to help our scholars and their families weather the pandemic. We look to our community for additional support. Please consider making a donation or becoming a mentor. Your involvement can change a life!
 
Don Cameron, Executive Director
Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement
How one phone call opened doors for a Rising scholar
When August joined The Rising in 2019, his mother Mercedes had no idea it was a decision that would change her son's life. As August was finishing eighth grade, a school counselor recommended he look into attending O'Dea High School. A great idea, thought Mercedes, but we can't afford that! A few days later, the phone rang -- and that one call changed their lives. READ MORE.
Spotlight: Jeff Forge
Seattle CARES Mentor
Jeff Forge always enjoyed working with kids, so becoming a mentor with Seattle CARES seemed a natural next step. He grew up in New York City, attended the University of Wisconsin on a football scholarship where he graduated with a B.S. in child and family studies. He earned a second degree at the University of Arizona. We caught up with Jeff recently to ask him more about mentoring and what it means to him. READ MORE.
Rising scholars brief Seattle and King County councils
It's not often that students get the chance to brief a group of politicians. But that's what happened in June when The Rising scholars met with Seattle and King County council members. The students gave their views on what makes a perfect city and then asked the council members to focus on four key issues. READ MORE.
Christian Love: Rising program mentor since 2018
When Seattle CARES launched its mentoring movement at Broadway Performance Hall in January 2018, Christian Love was in the audience. He was so impressed that he became a mentor that night. Since then, he has helped pave the way for students to learn, grow and become future leaders in their communities. Learn more about this PhD candidate -- and his passion for mentoring. READ MORE.
CARES Founder Susan Taylor welcomes new mentors
At the new mentor training on Oct. 2, Susan L. Taylor, founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement, warmly welcomed the dozen new mentors who had assembled. These volunteers have been trained and are ready to change young lives through The Rising programs. READ MORE.
The Liberated Village creates positive school environment
Seattle CARES is one of 30 community organizations participating in The Liberated Village, a program sponsored by King County's Best Starts for Kids. The partners work together to implement innovative, anti-racist, trauma-informed and restorative practices throughout 55 schools in 10 school districts. READ MORE.
Digital literacy class provides parents with new job skills
Our Positive Family Connections program has a new class on digital literacy where parents learn how to navigate the web, download software and other skills. The class is part of University for Parents; more options will be added next year. We have lots of great stories to tell from this inspirational group, coming in future issues of Momentum! READ MORE.
News from Seattle CARES
Keeping Communities Safe
On Sept. 23, 2021, 50 boxes of hand sanitizer were dropped off at the loading docks at Denny International and Meany middle schools. Some 800 bottles were distributed to students that day.

"We wanted to make a contribution to help keep people safe," said Seattle CARES Executive Director Don Cameron.

Our innovative programs have been proven to make a difference!

Help us change the lives of Black youth and families in our communities today. LEARN MORE.
Be A Mentor. Save a Youth.
Interested in becoming a mentor?

To keep our community safe, mentor orientation sessions are now online. It's easy to participate on your laptop or cellphone.

Our next orientation sessions:
Sat., Oct. 9, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 13, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

There are many ways to save a generation! Donate today!
We are grateful for the support of all our mentors, partners and donors. You too can be part of the mentoring movement by making a donation to Seattle CARES. It's easy; just click on the donation button, right.
Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement