The Catholic Charities mentoring project in Imperial Valley, received an expansion grant through Programs for National Significance in the fall to include foster youth and students receiving Alternative Education Program services. Youth who are wards of the Imperial County court system are also among the population being served. Highlighted in the National Service News as a special project that warrants replication, the Foster Grandparent mentoring projects focus on youth who have high rates of recidivism, parents in prison, and those who are close to aging out of the foster system.

The Foster Grandparents are friends, tutors, role models, and someone that sincerely cares about the kids. The caring part is the most important as many of the youth have not had a trusting adult relationship in their young lives. The objective is to turn lives around in a positive direction before poor choices turn into long-term stays in prison. A strong commitment by the volunteers, extensive training and a network of support contribute to the continued success of the program.

The projects new partners include the Imperial Valley Office of Education, Alternative Education Programs and the Volunteers of America. The collaboration is a strong one with the interest of the youth and positive outcomes the ultimate and driving force. Catholic Charities looks forward to once again making a difference in the lives of high-risk youth.

It is often heard that the FGPs volunteering in this project are the grandparents the teens have never had. A testimony to the beauty of intergenerational programs.