The Powerhouse Mentoring Program provides one-on-one community-based mentoring for Multnomah County youth, ages 13-21, in the foster care system. Mentoring is viewed as part of the transition plan for eventual independent living.

Why is mentoring considered am important ingredient in the transition plan? We know from national research that ‘teens who experience good mentoring relationships may have the following positive outcomes:

• Less likely to initiate drug and alcohol use
• Less likely to hit someone
• Skip fewer days of school
• Feel more competent about their ability to do well in school
• Receive slightly higher grades
• Report more positive relationships with friends and family

Youth who are matched with a Powerhouse mentor spend at least 10 hours a month in contact with their mentor for a minimum of one year. One of the mentees wrote this about his mentor:

Since I was about 4 years old I’ve been in foster care. I’ve moved homes more than most people (change) socks. In all those years I had few people that I could count on. (My mentor) is one of the people that I can. In fact (he) is one of the few people who I can call a true friend. (names withheld for purposes of privacy)