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Summer's Better with Friends
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Consistency can't take a summer break.
Summer break can put a pause on youth potential, especially for those facing life's toughest obstacles.
Spending a summer supported by a full-time paid, professional mentor (a Friend) can maximize youth success and confidence in the world.
Help us raise $300,000 this summer to deliver consistent mentorship over the next 3 months for youth across Seattle to have a better summer with a Friend.
Consistency in Mentorship
The loss of routine from school schedules can lead to social isolation, increased screen time, and rise in anxiety for youth.
Our full-time paid mentors are able to provide consistency in continuing to show up week after week during the summer--no matter what to provide security and support as youth navigate this critical time.
$100
Helps us stock up art supplies, games, and books that help youth stay engaged and creative throughout the summer.
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$500
Sponsors a group outing, giving youth an opportunity to explore a new place, try a new activity, and build confidence in the world around them.
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$1,000
Helps keep our pantry stocked for a week, ensuring youth and families have access to snacks, meals, and basic needs during the summer school break.
What is The Summer Slide?
What may sound like fun, is actually a term used to describe the unfortunate tendency for youth to lose achievement gains made during the previous school year.
Research suggests that summer learning loss disproportionately impacts students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, being more at-risk during summer months. All youth we serve at Friends-Seattle come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds alongside facing difficult life obstacles and environmental challenges.
How Michael and His Mentor Spent a Critical Summer Dreaming Big
Michael was facing an especially critical year as he prepared to enter high school. Paired with his Professional Mentor Darius, together, they've been able to explore opportunities he may otherwise not have had access to and feel supported going into a new chapter.
Darius went all out this summer and took Michael to his first Seattle Storm game, took him overnight camping, took him to see a movie on a day they got the entire theatre to themselves. As a Professional Mentor, he wove in moments to discuss plans for success going into high school, and imagining a successful life after as well, including visions of entrepreneurship in adulthood.