Everyone needs a friend to lean on. And that's what the "On the Mark" Mentoring Program is all about---matching young people aged 8-18 with caring adult and high school aged mentors so they get the support and encouragement they need.

How the Program Works
Once volunteer mentors are recruited, screened, and trained, they are matched one-on-one with a student. Volunteer mentors are adults and high school students who make a minimum commitment to volunteer for six months. Mentors receive ongoing support and training during the school year.

Pairs meet at least once a week for an hour, at Parents Place or off-site as agreed upon by the mentor, the young person, and his/her parents. Activities may range from a visit to a museum or library, a walk on the beach or through neighborhoods, or going to a concert or movie. This allows for fun, engaging, and educational meetings. Mentoring activities enrich and expand the relationship, building trust and friendship.

The impact of a mentoring relationship should not be underestimated; evaluations and feedback we have received from program participants indicate that mentors effectively assist in raising student's self-esteem, confidence, sociability and scholastic performance.

Contact Us
For more information, please contact us at (415) 359-2454 or ParentsPlaceSF@jfcs.org.