The mission of the Heart Gallery Mentor Program is to provide foster children with a dedicated, nurturing, caring individual who will be a friend to talk to and a companion to have fun with.  It is essential that every child has a reliable support system in their lives and a mentor plays a big role for foster children.  A mentor has the opportunity to be a constant source of stability and encouragement to a foster child in need of guidance and direction. By being a positive role model, a mentor can help instill in the child the confidence and creativity that will allow them to succeed in life.

Through continued involvement, the adult offers support, guidance, and assistance as the younger person goes through a difficult period, faces new challenges, or works to correct earlier problems. In particular, where parents are either unavailable or unable to provide responsible guidance for their children, mentors can play a critical role.

"A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself." - Oprah Winfrey

Testimony from a current mentor:

Spending time with Harry is the highlight of my week!  We go to the library, work on art projects, play catch, make dinner together, throw the ball for my dog, watch a movie, or play hot wheels.  He loves the one-on-one attention and I love seeing that sparkle appear in his eye when he knows that someone is focused on him and listening to his every word. Mentoring is a joy and I am incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to know Harry and spend time with him! - Angela

Data clearly shows that many youths have a desperate need for positive role models.  Evaluations show that young people in various mentoring programs had higher levels of college enrollment and higher educational aspirations than those surveyed who did not have a mentor.  Youths who have mentors are 46% less likely to begin using drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, and 52% less likely to skip school.  This decreases drug-related suspensions, drug-related crime, and the number of babies born drug effected. There are 14.6 million at-risk young people who need mentors; by volunteering as a mentor you can help one child have a better life.

Have you ever wanted the chance to positively impact or bring joy to the life of a child? Mentoring can do just that.  It does not take a lot of time, just 10 hours a month or 2.5 hours per week. All it requires is just being a friend with a listening ear who can encourage opportunities for a successful life journey. 

Many of these youths need someone just like you to make a difference for them. We must be the change we want to see, now is your chance to help a child succeed!