Volunteers of America Western Washington's Mentoring Children of Promise

As the number of men and women in our prison system grows steadily, another population also increases in our midst - the innocent children of prisoners. When parents are incarcerated, their children struggle to find their way, often without the benefit of a stable or consistent adult in their lives, and that’s where Volunteers of America Mentoring Children of Promise steps in

Mentoring Children of Promise breaks children out of the potentially dangerous situation by matching them with adults who serve as mentors. We help strengthen the concept of family, both for youth and their extended families through mentors that model safe and trusting relationships, healthy lifestyles and appropriate social behavior. Mentors also encourage increased participation in community activities and raise the child’s interest in literacy and academics.

We look at the big picture.  Mentoring Children of Promise serves the whole family, including siblings, the caregiver, and when appropriate, the imprisoned parent.  Services are available in King, Kitsap, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties, and utilize the nationally known Big Brothers Big Sisters model to match youth to long-term adult volunteers.  Our qualified staff carefully screens, interviews, and matches volunteers with youth, and additionally offers support to participating families and mentors.