One child at a time

Building life-changing relationships one at a time.

For children, elementary years are critical for their development, as they form values, establish self-esteem, and acquire academic skills. Often this includes having support, encouragement, and one-on-one attention.

Through a Kids Hope USA mentoring program, students develop transformative relationships with an additional caring and consistent adult, empowering them to thrive.

We connect Christian churches with the neighborhood elementary and middle schools to operate a proven and established school-based mentoring program. Through intentional training and support, churches mobilize volunteer mentors into schools to meet with students once a week and develop a one-on-one mentoring relationship. And those relationships matter.

“My student has become a thoughtful young man who offers wisdom to those around him. I am grateful for my relationship with him.”

– Kids Hope USA Director

OUR STORY

In 1995, serial social entrepreneur and Kids Hope USA founder Dr. Virgil Gulker researched: “How can churches have the greatest impact on America’s children?

He gathered input from sociologists, law enforcement, health professionals, educators, and child development experts. One response to his question appeared at the top of everyone’s lists: Fill the relational voids in kids’ lives. In other words, send people to meet with students who need reliable, caring adult relationships, starting with children in the earliest grades.

With the church’s abundant potential and desire to share love to others, this faith-based mentoring program pairing Christian churches and schools began.

TRANSFORMING LIVES, ONE CHILD AT A TIME

Today, thousands of students are partnered with a caring, consistent adult who shows up each week—just for them, providing another source of encouragement and support for them to thrive.

“I’m already seeing a difference in my son’s interest in going to school, thanks to the time he spends with his Kids Hope USA mentor.”

– Kids Hope USA Parent

ALL AROUND IMPACT

Through a Kids Hope USA program, the impact goes beyond success for the student. It also serves mentors, teachers and the community.

of teachers say the program benefited the student.*
of mentors found their mentoring time valuable for their student.**
of mentors say they feel more connected to their church because of their involvement with Kids Hope USA.**

*Greenway, Tyler. 2022. Kids Hope USA Teacher Survey.  

**Greenway, Tyler. 2023. Kids Hope USA Mentor Survey.

Be part of making a transformative impact in the lives of students and the community. Learn more about starting a program at your church or school.

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In a mentoring relationship, mentors have the unique opportunity to demonstrate skills on a personal level and teach students how they should view themselves. Intrapersonal skills involve your inward communication with yourself and the way you face obstacles in life. Mentoring can motivate students to work on intrapersonal skills such as self-confidence, resilience, and overall […]

Interpersonal Benefits of Mentoring 

Interpersonal skills involve the way a student interacts with others in a social setting. A mentoring relationship serves as an opportunity for students to grow in these interpersonal skills by learning how to work as a team and listen to their friends.   Working as a team and listening to others are two of the most […]
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