Building Futures & Foundations Mentoring Project

A $15,000 grant has helped establish a program aimed at helping teens at risk of aging out of the foster care system. These young people (who are between 15 and 21) are paired with mentors, who offer valuable guidance and support. Mentors are trained to help young people navigate through their education, prepare for the work force, and learn basic life skills. As a result, the network has seen employment and education rise, while negative behaviors or circumstances such as homelessness and incarceration were sharply decreased, compared with other teens in CYFD who are not participating in the project. The project’s work has changed the lives of dozens of Albuquerque teens, including many who did not have a stable relationship with an adult.

 

For more information on this story, contact Kelli Cooper at the Albuquerque Community Foundation, 505.883.6240.