The Saratoga Mentoring Program matches caring adult volunteers with children from challenging life circumstances. Mentors and kids spend a couple of hours a week  together, building a friendship and having fun. Mentors are there to listen, guide and be a friend.

All you need is a few hours and the desire to reach out to a child.

The benefits to the child are proven: studies show that children who have a mentor will perform better in school, get along better with peers, and are more likely to make positive choices. Kids who have a mentor are less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol.

Matches are made based on the mentor’s skills and preferences. The kids are between the ages of 7 – 17. Having a mentor gives a child a positive role model, provides some new experiences, and helps the child to develop a sense of the future.