Kids Hope USA Archives - Kids Hope USA

Do You Have a Mentor in Your Life?

The Power of One Trusted Relationship A Question Most People Don’t Ask Do you have someone in your life who you would call a mentor? Most people can remember a coach, teacher, pastor, or neighbor who changed the direction of their life. And if they didn’t have someone who fits in this category, many people wish that they had someone like that. Let’s discuss what a mentor is, why so many desire mentorship, and how you

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Mentor Appreciation & Celebrating 31 Years of Impact Together

Celebrations, Donors

As the school year wraps up and students are counting the minutes until summer break, we want to take a minute to celebrate YOU! Completing another year of mentoring is no small feat. Thousands of volunteers have met with students weekly across the country, resulting in over 300,00 hours spent mentoring students each school year. Let’s reflect on the previous school year and all the reasons we appreciate our community! The Heart of

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6 Ways to Get Involved at Your Local School

Across the Country, Ministry Engagement

When you were in elementary school, you probably didn’t realize how much community involvement shapes a student’s experience. From classroom support to mentoring relationships, schools thrive when caring adults step in. If you’re looking to make a positive impact in your community, getting involved at your local school is a great place to start! 1. Become a Mentor The best relationships in life

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Activities that Make Learning Feel Like a Game

All About Kids, Program Information

During the mentoring hour, there are many ways that you and your student can spend your time together. While students often choose the activities, you can come prepared with fun ideas that your student might be interested in. It’s important to recognize that the mentoring hour is not a tutoring hour. This slice of time is for relationship building, conversation, and enjoying each other’s company!

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Mentoring Lessons from Dr. Karen Pearson

Choose Openness: Lessons from Mentoring

All About Kids, Leadership

By Karen Pearson, Ph.D., former president of Kids Hope USA Serving as a mentor through Kids Hope USA has been one of the most meaningful commitments of my life. Being president of Kids Hope USA for nearly 7 years was an honor and a challenge certainly, but it’s extra special that I made time to serve as a mentor though a local church just like thousands of other volunteers across the country! Mentoring through a Kids Hope program is a decision to faithfully show up at the school to meet with one

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How can mentoring combat winter blues?

Across the Country, Ministry Engagement

This time of year, we see less light, feel colder temperatures, and, for many people, pile on the snow. When the days feel short and the nights feel long, it can be difficult to remain positive. These blues are linked to wintertime for all these reasons. How can we combat winter blues? One great, unexpected way is through mentoring! Let’s unpack the unique ways that being a mentor can help

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New Mentoring Habits for a New Year

Across the Country, All About Kids, Ideas for mentoring

A new year is the best time to reset and refresh your habits. When it comes to mentoring, it’s important to consider resetting as well. There is no better time to think of some new habits to incorporate or old habits that need to change! Let’s dive into these tangible ideas to reset your mentoring hour. Make Sure that Your Student Has a “Choice Moment” Students are

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Giving Back During the Holidays: The Impact of Kids Hope USA

Across the Country, Celebrations, Ministry Engagement

With the holidays approaching, we begin to understand why we should give back, and learn how we should give back. Now we are starting to realize the impact of giving back! Learn what it means to make an impact with Kids Hope USA this holiday season and see how it affects students, schools, churches, and your personal life. Reducing Loneliness Loneliness is a growing concern in our world today, and it is exacerbated by the

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Giving Back During the Holidays: Why?

Across the Country, Donors

The holidays are often described as joyful, but for many, they can be complicated. Some students feel the weight of loneliness more deeply. Families face financial strain that stretches their hope thin. And for those of us who are quietly struggling, the season can magnify what is missing. This is why giving back during the holidays matters. When we choose

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Perspective for When Mentoring Gets Tough

Behavior, Program Information

Volunteering is extremely meaningful. But can we also recognize that it can sometimes feel challenging? There are difficulties that come with sacrificially giving your time to make an impact. You may not always feel qualified, empowered, or even acknowledged. Your Kids Hope USA mentoring journey is a great example of this. If you’ve ever left

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