Friends for Youth - Mentoring Services

what people are saying. I cannot tell you how much help The Volunteer Center has been to us. We couldn't do it without you! A heartfelt thanks!

- Deborah Micheele Sanders, The Sapling Project

Agency Details:

Friends for Youth has been dedicated to making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth since we began in 1979. By establishing and supporting one-to-one relationships between youth-in-need and responsible, caring adults, we know we change lives for the betterment of individuals and the community.

Description:
Friends for Youth recruits adult volunteers to be matched one-to-one with youth referred to us by teachers, counselors, and youth service experts. We support these relationships with training, individualized coaching and support, and group activities to supplement the one-to-one outings of our Junior and Senior Friends. The youth range in age from 8 to 17 and come from all over San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties.

History:
Friends for Youth has been serving youth in need in San Mateo and Northern Santa Clara Counties for over 30 years. To date Friends for Youth has facilitated over 1,650 mentorships, with an average success rate of 88% (defined as lasting at least one year), well above the national average for mentoring agencies. And, we know our approach works, based not only on the feedback but also results: Friendships that last a lifetime and youth who have become successful, productive members of the community.

Contact person: Shannon Linderman, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (650) 368-4444
Office fax number: 650-368-4475

Address:

1741 Broadway St.
Redwood City, CA 94063
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.friendsforyouth.org

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?

Spanish

What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?

20

Is your agency wheelchair accessible?

Yes

Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?

Yes

Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?

No

Last updated on December 9, 2009

User Reflections

Post Your Own!

Average Rating (3 reflections)

Overall Experience Experience rating

It is a wonderful way to make a difference in a young person's life--and have fun doing it!

As a Mentor to Meliza, I have learned much about the challenges our youth are facing, how people of lower income levels are struggling to provide opportunities for their children, and how my talents can make a difference. Last night we went to the San Jose Taiko Rhythm Spirit Concert--we were both exposed to a new cultural experience, talked about our own cultures, and had a great time. I highly recommend mentoring through FFY--it's a very satisfying experience!
posted by jaheyboer on April 14, 2007

Overall Experience Experience rating

So rewarding working with the kids, as well as the organizaiton!

FFY is the best volunteer org I've ever worked with - so organized and fun to work with, it makes mentoring youth so much eaiser since they provide so many activities to do with your mentee, as well as help you as a mentor in mentoring techniques or challenges that you may encounter. They are SO on top of things - makes it THAT much more fun and easy to squeeze mentorship in our busy work schedules.
posted by happyac3 on April 27, 2006

Overall Experience Experience rating

Mentoring has made my life better, giving me much more than I contributed

I have been a Senior Friend two times with Friends for Youth. My initial match with Jose began in December of 1989 and I am still in touch with him to this day. My second Junior Friend, RJ was born in December of 1989 and I was matched with him just over a year ago. I initially thought I could bring my positive family experiences to each Friendship, but have truly been blessed with such great kids (Jose is now 28 years old and RJ is 16). I have gotten so much more than I ever thought possible. Recently I lost touch with Jose but he happened to call on my birthday and we reconnected in person on that day. I am not a parent, but being part of Friends for Youth has given me "parent like" experiences and another great family.
posted by rinouye on April 26, 2006

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	20
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	No