Michelle Kosta's Contact Details

Michelle Kosta's Company Details

Family of Friends Mentoring

Gresham, OR, US • 5 - 9 Employees
Non-Profit

At Family of Friends Mentoring, we envision a world where every child and family has access to responsive systems so they can live healthy, meaningful and productive lives. Our mission is to build relationships that elevate kids and families and make our community stronger. Since 2003, Family of Friends has helped more than 250 low-income families by matching kids with caring, volunteer mentors. In 2016 the program spun-off to be an independent nonprofit based in Gresham, OR. Mentors commit to 1-2 hours per week of quality time with a youth, outside of school or work. Mentors initiate free or low-cost activities in the community with their mentees and help kids build social and emotional skills through play. In turn, volunteers build trust, share their time and experience, and see the world through someone else's eyes. Plus, it's just fun! We believe all kids can benefit from more adult support, but due to limited volunteers, our program focuses on kids with low-incomes, ages 6-12 and who are falling through the cracks in some way. They are typically referred through our school, and social service partnerships and usually have at least one stable caregiver who is advocating for more adult support. Volunteers are individuals, couples or entire families who can pass background checks and screening, and can commit to 1-2 hours per week, for at least one year. Scheduling is flexible, and all participants are trained, screened and supported by professional staff every step of the way. With over 40 kids on the wait list in Gresham alone, our greatest need is volunteer mentors. For more information on becoming a mentor, or referring a child to receive a mentor, visit www.family-of-friends.org or contact Allison Yoder at 503-351-5805 ayoder@family-of-friends.org.