TranslateFoster Youth Mentoring Program
Forget Me Not Children’s Services offers a vocational training and mentoring program for at-risk youth ages 14 to 18 years of age. Often these are children who have participated in the Forget Me Not Farm’s therapeutic program, however in 2016 the vocational program opened up to any at-risk teen in need of mentoring within the community.
In the Mentoring Program, teens are given the opportunity to learn real-life skills they can carry on and apply as they enter the workforce. Working in conjunction with the Sonoma Humane Society, the teens complete a brief course in animal welfare and shelter operations, and are then paired one-on-one with a volunteer mentor and an individualized program that is designed to best fit the student’s talent and needs. Opportunities include but are not limited to Animal Care Technician, Dog Trainer, Dog Groomer, Veterinary Assistant, Farm Animal Attendant, Garden Specialist, and Customer Service Clerk.
The essence of the Mentoring Program is to serve the dual purpose of job training and providing healthy positive relationships with an adult mentor. The power of a positive role model in a child’s life cannot be underestimated, and for many of our matches the relationship is one of mutual learning, growth, and respect that can last for years.
Accepted to the Portfolio: December 2013
Target Outcomes
Short Term Outcomes
- Increased skills in large/small animal welfare, barn maintenance, gardening, sales, and customer service career area
- Development of workplace readiness soft skills
- Improved optimism toward self and future opportunities
- Decreased risky behaviors
- Improved peer relationships
- Increased ability to set and achieve goals
- Decreased violence/ fighting
- Increased resiliency
- 1-year commitment honored by mentors
- High satisfaction reported by mentors on their engagement
Long Term Outcomes
- Post-secondary education completion
- Successful transition to living independently in a home or apartment
- Development of healthy familial, social, and professional relationships
- Successful career attainment
- Positive civic engagement
- Lack of involvement with the criminal justice system
Target Population
Demographics
- Kindergarten - 12th Grade
- Transitional Age Youth (16 - 24)
Service Area
- Southwest (District 2)
- Central (District 3)
- Northwest (District 5)
Information
Program Funders
Many thanks to the following funders for making this program possible.
Local Funders
- John Jordan Foundation
- St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation
Other Funders
- Harry L. and Helen M. Rust Charitable Foundation
- Levi's GranFondo Cycling Event
