Mentoring matters: Friends of the Children call on businesses to invest in youth
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News from Friends of the Children
POLSON - Friends of the Children - Western Montana is rallying local businesses to help transform the lives of Mission Valley youth through the power of professional mentorship. Their Mentoring Matters campaign aims to raise $30,000 to effectively break generational cycles of poverty and trauma for amazing children who face the steepest obstacles in our community.
Friends of the Children’s proven model of 1:1 professional mentorship for 12+ years empowers youth, fosters family stability, and strengthens the community—one child at a time. Nationally, youth in the program achieve remarkable outcomes: 83% earn a high school diploma or GED, 93% avoid the juvenile justice system, and 98% avoid early parenthood, despite facing significant challenges.
The campaign supports Friends – Western Montana’s Flathead Nation Program, a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and strength-based mentoring program tailored specifically to meet the needs of Indigenous youth and families on the Flathead Reservation. The program recognizes the unique challenges Indigenous youth face and fosters connections to cultural heritage as a protective factor to overcoming adversity.
“At Friends of the Children, we believe that every child deserves a committed, long-term mentor to help them navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential,” said Ben Davis, Executive Director of Friends of the Children Western Montana. “The support of local businesses is critical in making this a reality. Every $1 invested in Friends of the Children returns $7 to the community in saved social costs, making mentorship not only life-changing for our youth but also a smart investment for the future of the Mission Valley,”
Two local businesses, Valley Bank in Polson and Taco Bell, have jumpstarted the Mentoring Matters campaign with generous gifts.
“At Valley Bank, we are proud to invest in organizations that strengthen our community,” said David Lewing, Vice-President and Manager of the Polson branch. “Friends of the Children is making a lasting impact by providing mentorship and support to youth who need it most. We encourage other local businesses to join this effort—together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Mission Valley’s children.
Businesses interested in learning more about the Flathead Nation program can attend an informational session for business leaders on April 9, from 12-1 p.m. at the Friends of the Children Polson Clubhouse at 2 Sixth Ave. E in downtown Polson.
