Become a Mentor: The Friends Program of Kearney

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Our Mission is to promote personal development of youth through positive one-on-one role modeling.

Friends is a supervised volunteer program designed to provide a close adult relationship for children identified as having special relationship needs by his/her elementary counselor and teachers.

Adult men and women or high school students (Big Friends) are matched with elementary-age children (Little Friends) and they become FRIENDS for at least one school year. The Big Friend and Little Friend designate at least one hour a week for a one-on-one commitment.

Parent/guardian must give permission for acceptance of their child into the program and be present at the time the match is made. No match will be considered complete, nor any activity take place, until parent/guardian, Big Friend and Little Friend meet and agree on the rules of the program.

The Friends Program of Kearney is not considered a recreation, but education for living. The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for a rewarding relationship of trust and friendship between the Big Friend and the Little Friend.

Mentors (Big Friends) are college students, high school students and community adults who sign an agreement volunteering to spend a minimum of one hour each week with a mentee (Little Friend). They are matched for one academic school year (or more if possible). Big Friends participating in the Kearney program must have a vehicle to pick up the Little Friend and must provide proof of insurance on the vehicle. Big Friends are required to complete an application process including references and a background check before being admitted into the program.


Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 10 months

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Adjudicated/court involved, Foster, Residential or Kinship Care, General Youth Population, Gifted/Talented/Academic Achiever, Incarcerated Parent, Low Income, Opportunity Youth, Physical Disabilities/Special Care Needs, Single-Parent Household, Youth with Disabilities

Mentoring Program Goals: Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors

Ages of Youth Served: 7 and under, 8-10, 11-14