Friends for Youth was established in 1979, and since our inception, we have worked to support children who would otherwise go unserved, with an emphasis on positive youth development, social-emotional health and wellness, prevention services, and critical skills for future self-sufficiency.

We've helped over 2,000 youth reach their full potential. Our 90% success rate of creating long-term mentoring matches is far above the 33-37% national average.

Studies have consistently shown that youth in our program improve their motivation and school performance, demonstrate increased self-esteem and resiliency, avoid negative behaviors, and rarely have future involvement with the Juvenile Justice System.

Our vision is to provide every young person who needs a mentor with a mentor.

We first established our Mentoring Services program, providing direct 1-t0-1, community-based mentoring services to low-income youth ages 8 to 17 in San Mateo County and Northern Santa Clara Counties. Youth are referred by teachers, probation officers, and other youth professionals.

In 2016, in response to substantial need brought to us by Sequoia High School, we implemented a school-based, group mentoring program called Connect™. Incoming freshmen exhibiting academic challenges, behavioral and mental health issues, poverty, and social isolation are identified by the school and served through group mentoring sessions on campus. Connect™has now expanded to serve youth before and after the transition into high school, from 8th to 10th grade.