January is National Mentoring Month meant to spotlight the importance of mentors and the need for each child to have a caring adult in his or her life.  While almost any child could benefit from having a mentor, one population that needs positive and genuine relationships more than anyone is children and youth in foster care.  Two of my favorite PSAs were produced by Casey Family Programs as part of their Raise Me Up campaign.  While the campaign’s website is no longer active, I was able to find the PSAs on Youtube:

One of CCAI’s own Foster Youth Interns from last year, Sam Martin shared about his own mentor saying, “He stepped into a father role for me.  He’s been there whenever I’ve needed him because he knows I don’t have any other support.  He is one of the reasons I flourished.  I really don’t know where I’d be without him.  He has changed my life.”

Studies continue to confirm this message–mentors make an important and lasting impact in the lives of children.  Children who are mentored are 45% less likely to use illicit drugs, 59% more likely to succeed in school, and 73% more likely to attain higher life achievement goals.

Be sure to visit nationalmentoringmonth.org to learn how you can get involved in mentoring this month!