Mentoring instills solid values in the next generation and raises the self-esteem of those volunteering to mentor. Studies have shown that at risk youth who are mentored are 55% more likely to attend college than their unmentored peers. Mentored youth will decrease their unexcused absences and increase their school attendance. Mentoring has also shown a reduction in alcoholism and drug abuse among mentees. Mentor volunteers are more content and feel more connected with their organization or company providing mentoring opportunities.
at 13 years old, was struggling with school and had little supervision, which led to experimenting with drugs and becoming a chronic runaway. Her behavior had a lot to do with the fact that she was molested by her brother from age 7 – 11 years old, and her mom ignored that abuse. At the age of 16, Cassandra’s... Read More
14-year-old Andrew was living in a foster home when he met his CASA advocate, Rachel. Andrew’s mother had died years before and his father had no involvement with him. Andrew was depressed, unmotivated, had no goals for his future and had no consistent adult presence in his life. Rachel had successfully raised teenage boys, so she was able to get... Read More
RJ was brought into the foster care system with his siblings as their mother had mental health and substance abuse issues rendering her unable to care for them. RJ changed foster placements five times in two years, was separated from his siblings, and lost focus of his goals and academics. RJ was matched with his CASA advocate, Dennis, at age... Read More
Larissa was raised by a mother with a long history of drug use, domestic violence and sexual abuse. Her mother often left her and her younger siblings alone for long periods of time, forcing Larissa to act as the parent. Her mother moved their family all over Orange County, staying in motels and even a storage unit. Due to this... Read More