Member Highlight: The Mentoring Network Inc.

Thank you to Donna Shines, Executive Director/CEO, for your continued partnership and service to the nonprofit community!

Q: How has your organization evolved over the years?

​Our core beliefs have strengthened and we know two things for sure - 99% of kids who continue in our program graduate from high school AND 99% stay out of the juvenile justice system.
WE BELIEVE:
...that schools and communities can’t do it alone. The Mentoring Network was formed in 1999 by four counselors from four school districts that wanted to change the trend they were seeing of kids dropping out of school at younger and younger ages.
...that students with strong relationships in and out of school have higher psychological and physiological well-being and greater success in life.
...the Search Institute’s simple yet profound conclusion: “Nothing has more impact in the life of a child than positive relationships.”
...that all children deserve to build long term relationships with a listening, caring adult (mentor) by spending face-to-face time together on a regular basis.

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Q: What is one thing you wish your donors/general public knew about nonprofit work?

​The one thing I would want them to know is that community benefit organizations make so much possible when they have donors & communities come alongside them.  For example, our organization's results of keeping kids in school through graduation and out of the juvenile justice system saves our community an amazing amount of money ($191/day/incarcerated youth) along with giving kids a sense of belongingness and value that carries into the future.

Q: What have you benefited most from INC membership?

​Under Amy Little's leadership (former CEO) and amazing staff our organization has had many more opportunities to learn, network and share with not only other nonprofits, but with business and philanthropy too.  Looking towards what is possible when we all work together for the benefit of our communities.  Exceptional support given by the INC during the pandemic!