Frequently Asked Questions
Tell me more about Kidz Connected
Kidz Connected is a program that allows adult mentors to build a relationship with a student at a local school; helping them with academics, relationships, and activities while becoming loving and caring friends. Partnering with local churches and organizations provides mentors while partnering with schools provides the students. All mentors are trained to respect the separation of church and state and are therefore highly sought after in many public schools.
What do the mentors do?
A Kidz Connected mentor volunteers one hour each week with a student during the school year. Each mentor is matched with just one student at a time, allowing them to give their full attention and support. While mentors are not tutors, their weekly time together can focus on academic growth, emotional development, relationship-building, or other student needs. Mentors meet with their student at school during the student’s lunch hour on a day agreed upon by the mentor and the student’s teacher. Each session includes activities and conversations tailored to the student, using games, materials, and resources provided by Kidz Connected. All the mentor needs to do is show up and build a meaningful relationship with their student.
What do the organizations do?
Churches and other organizations are the foundation of Kidz Connected, as they provide the mentors who serve our students. Once someone volunteers to be a mentor, it can take up to three months for them to be screened, trained, background-checked, and fully prepared to begin mentoring. That’s how seriously we take the safety and well-being of our students and mentors. The role of the church or organization is to help raise awareness of Kidz Connected within their community and support the effort to recruit mentors. Once or twice a year, Kidz Connected will have the opportunity to speak directly to members—sharing the need for mentors and the impact they can have on students—in hopes of inspiring more volunteers to get involved.
What do the schools do?
Kidz Connected partners with local schools to mentor students who are recommended by school staff. In addition to identifying students, the school also provides a safe space for mentors and students to meet each week. Ideally, this will be an open-door room with minimal distractions.
Who are the children?
Students are referred to the Kidz Connected program by school staff, private counselors, parents, and other caring adults who believe a mentor’s support would benefit the student. The earlier a child is matched with a mentor, the more effective the mentoring relationship can be over time. Students can begin participating as early as kindergarten and continue in the program until they are ready to graduate.
Who pays for this?
Kidz Connected is a nonprofit organization that supports students entirely through donations from a variety of generous sources. Contributions are welcomed from churches, organizations, and individuals who feel led to give. You can set up recurring donations or make a one-time gift using the "Donate" menu at the top of this webpage. Donations can be made via credit card or Zelle directly through the site. If you'd prefer to give by cash or check, simply visit the "Contact Us" menu, choose your preferred method of contact, and we’ll be happy to arrange your donation.