One Child At A Time
Building life-changing relationships one at a time.
Building Life-Changing Relationships
For children, elementary years are critical for their development, as they form values, establish self-esteem, and acquire academic skills. Often this includes having support, encouragement, and one-on-one attention. Through a Kidshope mentoring program, students develop transformative relationships with an additional caring and consistent adult, empowering them to thrive.
We connect Christian churches with the neighborhood elementary and middle schools to operate a proven and established school-based mentoring program. Through intentional training and support, churches mobilize volunteer mentors into schools to meet with students once a week and develop a one-on-one mentoring relationship. And those relationships matter.
GET INVOLVED
“My student has become a thoughtful young man who offers wisdom to those around him. I am grateful for my relationship with him.” – Kidshope Director
OUR STORY
In 1995, serial social entrepreneur and Kidshope founder Dr. Virgil Gulker researched: “How can churches have the greatest impact on America’s children?” He gathered input from sociologists, law enforcement, health professionals, educators, and child development experts. One response to his question appeared at the top of everyone’s lists: Fill the relational voids in kids’ lives.
In other words, send people to meet with students who need reliable, caring adult relationships, starting with children in the earliest grades. With the church’s abundant potential and desire to share love to others, this faith-based mentoring program pairing Christian churches and schools began.
TRANSFORMING LIVES, ONE CHILD AT A TIME
Today, thousands of students are partnered with a caring, consistent adult who shows up each week—just for them, providing another source of encouragement and support for them to thrive.
GET INVOLVED“I’m already seeing a difference in my son’s interest in going to school, thanks to the time he spends with his Kidshope mentor.” – Kidshope Parent
ALL AROUND IMPACT
Through a Kidshope program, the impact goes beyond success for the student. It also serves mentors, teachers and the community.
of teachers say the program benefited the student.*
of mentors found their mentoring time valuable for their student.**
of mentors say they feel more connected to their church because of their involvement with Kidshope.**
*Greenway, Tyler. 2022. Kidshope Teacher Survey.
**Greenway, Tyler. 2023. Kidshope Mentor Survey.
Be part of making a transformative impact in the lives of students and the community. Learn more about starting a program at your church or school.
Team
Get to know our team dedicated to empowering one-on-one mentoring programs thrive.
Meet the TeamBoard
Meet our board members who provide leadership and inspiration in continuing this important work.
Meet Our BoardEmployment
Are you interested in being part of the Kidshope team? Check out our available positions.
See PositionsRECENT POSTS
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