What is Boys2MEN/Girls2Women?
- 
Foundation of Fresno, California, is a
community-based non-profit organization that "Pairs" caring adult
volunteers with "at-risk" children from single parent homes in a
one-on-one mentoring relationship.
How does the program work?
- We do this by pairing caring adults whom we call "Uncles and
Aunts" with At-Risk youths whom we call "Nieces and Nephews." All of
these children are in need of consistent friendship, guidance, and
most of all, LOVE.
How are children referred?
- Children are referred by teachers, social workers, or members of
their own family. Adult volunteers are recruited, screened and
trained by our staff and "paired" to their niece or nephew according
to sharing interest and compatibility.
Where do the children come
from? - Most nieces and nephews are no different from any
other children, and come from all over the Greater Fresno area.
Although they live in single-parents homes, not all of them are poor
or disadvantaged. Though they may have families who love and care
for them, having an adult mentor outside the home will strengthen
them socially and academically.
What
does it cost to be a Grandparent, Uncle or Aunt? - It cost
nothing to be a volunteer. There are many activities that a "Pair"
can do that are free or low cost like riding bikes, hiking or going
to the park. The
Foundation also holds group activities
such as field trips, picnics or excursions to amusement parks.
What is the time involved?
- When you agree to become a Grandparent, Uncle or Aunt, we ask you
for a commitment of a few hours spent with a child a few times a
month. We promise the time will go by quickly, because you will be
having fun as well. A child's self-esteem increases when an adult
friend genuinely cares. His or her future is broadened by a role
model who can be a guide to life's opportunities or obstacles. The
children gain an adult friend whom they can talk to, learn things
from and look up to. Studies have shown that a child who had an
adult, touchable role model tends to stay away from drugs and
alcohol, do better in school, and get along better with his/her
family. By mentoring children in our community, we will ensure that
they grow up with good values and in a positive direction.
The benefits to the
volunteer are - A chance to reconnect with youth to make a
good life even better, and to have a sense of "Giving something
back." Our volunteers are helping an entire generation by helping
one child and are doing fun things with their Nieces and Nephews at
the same time.
How do I get started? -
It's easy! If you are at least 21 years of age or older, just call
1-559-225-9300 to register for a brief, informal,
no-pressure interview. During the interview we will answer all your
questions about the program and describe how easy it is to become a
volunteer.
