Celebrating 25 Years
Kids Hope USA turns 25 this year! Join us as we celebrate the positive life-change that happens as friendships are built one hour at a time, as children and mentors meet one on one.
Walking together in 1 on 1 mentoring relationships for 25 years.
For 25 years, Kids Hope USA mentors have walked alongside thousands of children in 1 on 1 relationships during some of the most significant years of their young lives. Each week, since 1995, mentors and students develop life-changing friendships one hour at a time. We invite you to join us as we celebrate a quarter century of walking together, side-by-side on this journey that instills hope and confidence in a child’s life.
Stories from 25 Years
A Forever Friendship
Written by Aidan’s mom, Jane Aidan, my bright and happy boy, began meeting with his Kids Hope USA mentor, Miss Stacie, in the fall of 1st grade. They met every Wednesday, and that day quickly …
Transformational Giving
Just like so many of our Kids Hope USA students, I love spending time with the mentors I have in my life. I’ve been lucky to have incredible coaches, teachers, and leaders who have shaped my outlook …
Virtually Anywhere
“Could you help me find a mentor for my son Miles?” Jane asked. She had heard about Kids Hope USA from a friend whose son had a mentor. Miles is a quiet, fifth-grade boy, and …
Lessons I’ve Learned as a Kids Hope Mentor
Written by Pastor Greg Rensberry, Pastor, Mapleview Free Methodist Church, Niles, MI I started mentoring Cody* at the start of his kindergarten year. From the beginning of our friendship, I could feel his distance and …
Pray Always
Contributed by: Anne Broaddus, Director Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, Waco, Texas Davina Pennington, Regional Director, South and Southwest, Kids Hope USA In 2009 our principal asked us to pray for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders …
Committing to Friendship
Written by Kara Nguyen, Kids Hope USA Director of Development and Kari McLennan, Kids Hope USA Program Support Specialist For 17 years, Mr. Gary has been a Kids Hope USA mentor through his local church. …
The Joy of Giving
Christmas reminds us that gifts come in all shapes and sizes, and the monetary value or usefulness of a gift is far less meaningful than the intent, especially when given by a child. Chase was …
Into a Brighter Future
Jan and Evelyn have walked together on an unexpected journey of friendship for more than 7 years! They met when Evelyn was a 4th grader at Jane Addams Elementary in Palatine, Illinois. At that time, Evelyn …
You’ve Got a Friend in Me
Jacob & Skylar-Jay became friends three years ago; Skylar-Jay was starting kindergarten and Jacob was leaning into a pull from God to serve as a Kids Hope USA mentor through his church, College Wesleyan. Little …
Wednesdays Are My Favorite
“I can’t read! You know that, Kara.” my 1st grade friend shared with me. “I know you can do it – I believe in you. Let’s do it together,” I replied. That was pretty typical …
Making Time to Make a Difference
“A person can always make time to make a difference.” That’s what Roger DeFeyter said 25 years ago when he met his first Kids Hope USA student at Pine Creek Elementary School. Dean was 7 years old, …