CHANGING THE WORLD ONE CHILD AT A TIME.
OUR MISSION
To bring kindness to lonely children in Hawai'i's public elementary schools by connecting them with caring mentors.
OUR PROGRAMS
Common Grace
Common Grace creates partnerships between public elementary schools and the community. Adult mentors are vetted and trained before they are carefully matched with an in-need child. Mentors spend at least an hour a week giving their mentees special undivided attention. The hour is split into three sections: 10 minutes of listening, 20 minutes of reading and homework boosting, and 30 minutes of playing.
Mālama Mentors
Mālama Mentors partners high schools with public elementary schools. High school mentors, who are referred to the program by counselors or teachers, demonstrate excellence academically, socially, and within the community. Once trained, they are matched with an in-need child. Mentorship occurs once a week and is split into three sections: 10 minutes of listening, 20 minutes of reading and homework boosting, and 30 minutes of playing.
"WHAT HAS THE GREATEST IMPACT
ON A YOUNG PERSON'S LIFE?
The answer I discovered was simple and profound. Everything I read pointed to the presence of a caring adult as the most important protective factor in the life of a young person. There are many other relevant factors, including high self-efficacy, self-awareness, school attendance, positive peer relationships, and opportunities to belong. Overwhelmingly, however, research suggested that a relationship with a caring adult is primary."
-Lou Bergholz, Vital Connections
HOW DO WE DO IT?
One mentor. One kid. One hour. Once a week.
20mins
30miNS
play
10miNS
listen
read &
boost homework
"I have been a Common Grace mentor for the past 10 years...the results are improved student performance, strengthened core values, and a life changing experience for both the mentor and student."
Bub W., Common Grace mentor
"Religious Restraint"
No religious instruction or behavior will be conducted during on-campus meetings between mentors and mentees