RECRUITING MENTORS TO SAVE A GENERATION
Winter 2021
January is National Mentoring Month

In January, we celebrate National Mentoring Month. So many of us would not be where we are today were it not for that special adult who helped us grow and reach our full potential. For some of us, that adult was our mother or father. For others, it was a favorite uncle, big brother or family friend. Whoever it was, their involvement in our lives made all the difference.
 
At Seattle CARES, we have been involved in recruiting, training and deploying mentors for more than a decade. Research has shown us that the mentor-mentee relationship is a strong one. It brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, advice and encouragement. A mentor is a role model, big brother and friend all rolled into one.
 
Mentors can instill a sense of possibility in the hearts and minds of their mentees. They also make a significant impact in their own communities and help shape a brighter future for upcoming generations. You can read more about Seattle CARES mentors, mentees and their parents in this issue of Momentum.
 
This January, as we begin a new year full of hope, we encourage you to celebrate National Mentoring Month with us. Consider making a donation or volunteering to become a mentor. Whatever path you choose, we thank you for your continued support.
 
Don Cameron, Executive Director
Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement
Seattle CARES receives youth development grant
Seattle CARES recently received a grant from the Washington Youth Development Nonprofit Relief Fund, administered by School’s Out Washington. The award will help youth organizations like Seattle CARES face the many challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. READ MORE.
From Texas to Seattle: One family's journey to a better life
When Andria and her sons left Dallas in 2018, she was desperate but determined. To earn money for the trip, she donated plasma for $54, then packed up her sons, and hit the road. In Seattle the family lived in a shelter where a case worker found Andria a job and enrolled her sons in school. Then they heard about the programs offered by Seattle CARES. READ MORE.
Spotlight: Phillip Bailey
Seattle CARES Mentor
Phillip Bailey has been a mentor with Seattle CARES and partner 4-C Coalition for a year and sees it as a way to give back to his community. Bailey, the founder and executive director of WorldWide BBMC, mentors two brothers at Meany Middle School, providing a strong, positive role model. We talked to Bailey recently about the value of mentoring. READ MORE.
Seattle CARES programs offer "a judgment-free space"
Sometimes, just having a safe space to share, vent and heal without being judged is worth its weight in gold. That’s true for LeChelle, a Metro bus driver, who participates in community wellness circles supported by King County's Positive Family Connections program. Her son Evan (right) has been part of The Rising for more than two years. See how both these programs are changing lives. READ MORE.
Join us in January for National Mentoring Month
Help celebrate National Mentoring Month by volunteering or making a donation. Founded more than 20 years ago, National Mentoring Month supports the life-saving connection between at-risk youth and adult mentors. You can make a difference in a young life! READ MORE.
In her own words: A parent shares her powerful story
LeChelle and her son Evan take part in Seattle CARES programs. Evan is learning to improve his organizational skills and become more responsible as a Rising scholar. LeChelle values the support she gets through a group mentoring circle, part of Positive Family Connections. In this story, see what else LeChelle has to say "in her own words." READ MORE.
News from Seattle CARES
Did You Know...
... Mentored youth are 55% more likely to enroll in college?

... are 46% less likely to start using drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking?

... are 78% more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities?

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:
February 13, 10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
March 13, 10 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