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Mentoring Matters: Juan Carlos

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 4C- JUAN AND BOBBY

Helping Juan Reclaim his Future

Juan Carlos, 14, rarely attended school and soon found himself identified as being truant.

Juan’s parents were ordered to attend the King County Truancy workshop.

While attending this workshop Juan’s parents met Diana Parra, Truancy Workshop Coordinator, in the King County Prosecutor’s Office. Diana listened to the parent’s concerns and thought Juan could really use a mentor.

The parents agreed and a referral was made to the 4C Coalition Mentor Program. The 4C personnel matched Juan with Bobby Cruz. Bobby meets with Juan every Monday, and has committed to mentoring Juan for at least one year.

Bobby was truly a blessing for Juan and his family. Bobby really enjoys working with youth and he speaks fluent Spanish. He is motivated to give back because he sees himself, and his childhood in Juan.

Being able to communicate is key in any relationship, but in this instance it was critical. Mom and dad do not speak English and found many barriers when advocating for their son.

Juan subsequently fell between the cracks. Juan never attended school more than two days in a row. Bobby began to work with Juan and his family to identify attainable goals.

To help Juan take steps towards achieving his goals, Bobby knew he would have to advocate for Juan and his parents. Bobby attended meetings with school faculty and helped Juan’s parents communicate their concerns and need for Juan to transfer to an alternative high school. Bobby helped the parents complete enrollment forms as well.

Juan enrolled in New Start Alternative High School last spring.

Prior to attending New Start, Juan had acquired zero credits and his attendance was poor at best. With the support of his mentor, his attendance has improved significantly, and Juan passed all of his classes both spring and summer school. He now has over three credits.

Bobby is Juan’s greatest champion, and continues to push Juan towards reaching his goals. Bobby’s support and advocacy for Juan, and his family, has been instrumental in helping Juan reclaim his future.

Since being matched with a mentor, Juan has become a better citizen, son and student. He smiles more, and according to his parents is willing to help out around the house.

Juan looks forward to his Monday mentor meetings with Bobby. They talk about life and share laughs.

Juan loves to play soccer and it is a common interest he shares with his mentor. Playing soccer is one way this mentee/mentor duo have fun.

Bobby shows up to support and even jumps in from time to time. Bobby uses soccer a tool to connect with Juan. He finds teachable moments and asks open ended questions.

Thanks to Bobby’s help, Juan is well on his way to achieving his goals.

College is Next for Savannahsav

One of our mentees, Savannah, was the valedictorian for the 2015 graduation class at Rainer Beach High School in Seattle. She has been mentored by Meghan Arbuckle since she was a 16 year old high school sophomore. Savannah is planning on going to college and we at the 4C Coalition are helping her navigate the college application process.

Two years ago Savannah travelled with Seattle’s 4C Coalition to Washington DC for the 50thanniversary March on Washington Memorial Youth Mentoring Summit. As if that participation wasn’t enough to do Seattle proud, Savannah then did one better and won first place in the “Spell it Like it Is” Spelling contest.

About the Washington DC experience, Savannah said, “I felt honored to be able to walk the same streets as people I look up to as heroes, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, former presidents, and congressmen and women.”

“Also, being in Washington, D.C. gave me a new perspective on life because I saw that even though we’re so far apart, Washington, D.C. and Seattle are more similar than different.  For example, Washington, D.C. having the history it has, I was surprised to learn that it has just as much poverty as Seattle.”

Savannah also participated in 4C Coalition’s Pen or Pencil group mentoring program that focuses on connecting young people with the educational system (the pencil) to head towards success and keep them out of “the pen.”

Looking Back & Looking Ahead

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As we reflect on the many things we achieved in 2014 and look ahead into the remaining months of 2015, we’re excited to share some 4C Coalition accomplishments and news with you.

Our future looks bright. We continue to build bridges with partners like the City of Seattle, United Way, the City of Kent, King County Superior Court, Casey Family Program, National CARES Mentoring Movement, Seattle Foundation, and other supportive groups.

With help from United Way Volunteer Impact and 501 Commons in 2014, we wrote our skill-based volunteer induction manual. The manual provides job descriptions for skilled volunteers to assist us with social media, office administration, and program management.

Contributions from United Way also helped us develop a girls’ group. Employee Olivia Ford—who was once a 4C mentee herself—wrote the grant application (her first) and developed the group. The girls’ group invited young women to create a dream board and reflect upon their future goals while also learning about the history of Martin Luther King and civil rights.

We started four other group mentoring gatherings in 2014. Group mentoring is generously funded by SYVPI (Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative), the City of Seattle, KCSC (King County Superior Court), and United Way.

Last year, we traveled with eight youths and five mentors to the National Black Criminal Justice Youth Mentoring Summit in Orlando, Florida. While there, we were wowed and proud to witness one of our youths win the summit’s youth spelling contest! Another of our youths who attended met with leaders from the federal government and sat on a panel with fellow African American youths from across the country, dignitaries from the State Department, judges, and criminal justice experts.

The 4C recently launched a database project to review and track the youths we serve. This database will help tell a statistical story to donors, funders, and policymakers about the work we do in the community.

Continue reading “Looking Back & Looking Ahead”

Real Change Article

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Hazel Cameron and Mike Heinisch recently wrote an article for Real Change (Volume 20, No 14).

New Children and Family Justice Center will help improve conditions for incarcerated youth

Oct 9, 2013, Vol: 20, No: 14

Those who work closely with troubled teens have found that when skilled and compassionate professionals step in to help, something powerful happens. Often, these young people turn their lives around. Continue reading “Real Change Article”

Savannah

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Sally Clark, Seattle City Council President, highlighted the great work of one of 4Cs mentees in a recent blog post. The full article is below (Sally’s Blog, Original Post).

Local young social justice activist has no need for spell check

When I meet with young people or have interns in the office I invariably tell them to keep honing their communications skills. Different fields need different specialized skills, but all fields need strong communicators. And, so, I’m pleased to spotlight up and coming strong communicator Savannah B, a junior at Rainier Beach High School.

Savannah recently travelled with Seattle’s 4C Coalition to Washington DC for the 50thanniversary March on Washington Memorial Youth Mentoring Summit. As if that participation wasn’t enough to do Seattle proud, Savannah then did one better and won first place in the “Spell it Like it Is” Spelling contest.

Savannah participates in the 4C Coalition’s Pen or Pencil group mentoring program, a program that focuses on connecting young people with the educational system (the pencil) to head towards success and keep them out of “the pen.”

I recently had a chance to e-mail Savannah about her success.

How did it feel to be in Washington, D.C.?
I felt honored to be able to walk the same streets as people I look up to as heroes, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, former presidents, and congressmen and women.

Also, being in Washington, D.C. gave me a new perspective on life because I saw that even though we’re so far apart, Washington, D.C. and Seattle are more similar than different.  For example, Washington, D.C. having the history it has, I was surprised to learn that it has just as much poverty as Seattle.

It was also a nice experience being in the competition with many different educated young people from around the country, but to me the experience was more about Washington, D.C., the city itself.

What’s your favorite part of the Pen or Pencil Group Mentoring program?
I enjoy coming together with the young and elders of our community.  Although we think we know a lot, we learn something new no matter how young or old we are.

African American people face a lot of stereotypes and it’s good for all of us to learn about our shared history.  Like in D.C., we learned that African American people built a lot of the buildings.  When you look at them you might think a white person, or a Hispanic person built them if you don’t know the history.  I think it’s good for us to know our African American heritage.

What’s your favorite subject at Rainier Beach? Why do you like it?
IB (International Baccalaureate) Math Studies. It’s a little bit of geometry, a little bit of algebra. I like it because of the teacher, he’s cool. I like the way he sets up the classroom; we sit in groups instead of rows.

What’s in store for you next?
Winning this competition made me realize that I can go straight to a four year university instead of going to a community college for two years before transferring to a four year university.

Winning makes me feel more confident in myself.

It makes me want to more seriously pursue playing basketball and my dream of becoming a pediatrician.

Congratulations again, Savannah!  If you’re interested in being part of the Pen or Pencil Mentoring Program visit the 4C Coalition –

Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement

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Special Evening with Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement

Thursday, October 18, 2012, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center
104 17th Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98122

For Info: dcameron@seattlecaresmentoring.org or Donald Cameron (206) 720-6134

Image of Susan TaylorKeynote Speaker:

Susan L. Taylor, Founder, CEO of National CARES Mentoring Movement.

You’re invited to an evening of entertainment, and celebration and to meet with Susan L. Taylor.

To learn more about Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement, visit the website: Seattle CARES “A New Way Forward”

Please share this flyer with interested groups: Susan L. Taylor – Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement – SAVE THE DATE

Judge Wesley Saint Clair, Chief Justice in the Juvenile Court System

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“We’ve witnessed firsthand how mentoring can effect change at a grassroots level.”

Judge Saint Clair would like every kid who appears in his court to have a mentor

Photograph by Rebecca Sullivan

Judge Wesley Saint Clair presides over Truancies, Juvenile Drug Court, and Trials

“Many of the youth I see are disconnected from school and parents. They have a distorted view of the world,” says Judge Saint Claire. “Their aspirations and goals are misguided.”

The youth Judge Wesley Saint Clair sees in his court often come from a dysfunctional family and/or poverty. “These kids have no control of their lives, and they’re told that they are nothing. They often experience structural racism or individual racism. Additionally, like all adolescents, they are also dealing with hormonal and testosterone changes,” explains Judge Saint Claire.

When you are disconnected from your family, and your school … your new family is the one you find with your peers. “These kids feel abandoned. ‘Who wants me?’ Well, my homey’s and my buddies … they accept me unconditionally,” says the Judge. “It’s hard to compete with the bright lights, and loud music, and money that the street can sometimes provide. Kids like instant gratification … and the street keeps them engaged.”

The adolescent brain is looking for an adrenaline rush. “Science tells us that the long-term impact of criminal behavior, and substance abuse, is damaging to the developing brain … and can have long term consequences,” declares Judge Saint Claire.

Mentors can offer much-needed perspective

“I would like every kid who comes through the court system to have a mentor. In court, I refer, I don’t order, so, the kid has to agree to a mentor.”

Says Judge Saint Claire, “We need mentors who match on a lot of levels … and cultural is one of the levels. Unfortunately, we do not have enough volunteer black mentors. Mentors offer great stability for these vulnerable youth and we need more of them.”

“Often times the kids don’t see the value in it,” explains Judge Saint Claire, “but when a mentor provides a relationship of trust, the kids get it. Mentoring is a critical piece of the solution to get kids back on track.”

Judge Saint Clair was elected the Presiding Judge for King County District Court in the fall of 2001 and served as presiding judge until July of 2004, when he was appointed to the King County Superior Court by Governor Gary Locke.

In January of 2012, Judge Saint Clair was assigned to the King County Juvenile Court, where he currently presides over Truancies, Juvenile Drug Court, Offender Calendars, and Trials.

He has been recognized for his work in the drug courts by the New York Times as well as the drug courts themselves being recognized by the National Association of Drug Courts.

In 2003 Judge Saint-Clair was awarded the King County Bar Association’s Outstanding Judge of the Year. In January 2009, Judge Saint Clair was the recipient of the King County Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award.

Press Release: Washington State Mentors announced Hazel Cameron the 2010 Champion of Mentoring.

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SEATTLE, Washington (May 10, 2010) – Washington State Mentors announced Hazel Cameron the 2010 Champion of Mentoring. Cameron is the Executive Director and cofounder of the Clergy, Community, Children/Youth Coalition (4C). The 4C Coalition is a faith-based mentoring agency for youth overcoming obstacles, setbacks, and mistakes to pursue opportunities for achievement, options, and fulfillment.

The 4C Coalition formed in 1999 to address racial disproportionality in Seattle’s school dropout rates and the numbers of youth involved in the King County juvenile justice system. Since the inception of the 4C Coalition, Cameron has performed every role involved in developing the 4C Mentoring Program, from recruiting, training, and matching mentors to mobilizing community stakeholders to sponsor programs for safe and healthy communities. The 4C mentors are volunteers. They make a one-year commitment to spend an hour a week with their mentee. Mentoring relationships often become lasting friendships. The mentees are referred to the 4C Mentoring Program from the King County Superior Court and the City’s Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative Program. Typically, the youth are on probation or at risk. A number of youth are assessed at low-medium to high risk to reoffend.

As a counselor in the early 90’s with the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration (JRA), Cameron helped pioneer evidenced-based mentoring for youth “too hardened to reach.” In the years Cameron was with JRA, research showed a 35% reduction in recidivism among mentored youth. Cameron’s work might be described as a race with time to match mentors with waiting youth before drugs, violence, or long-term incarceration claims them. The 4C tradition has been
one-on-one, gender-matched mentoring. Recently, however, the 4C Coalition has gained the space and staff to offer group mentoring, extending its reach to more youth in less time.

In addition to leading the 4C Coalition, Cameron serves as Chair of Washington State Mentors Provider Council and on the Board of Directors. In 2008, Cameron invited Susan Taylor to bring the National Cares Mentoring Movement to Seattle. Thus began the Seattle CARES Mentoring Movement, a resource for local mentoring groups to recruit qualified mentors. Cameron is the Chair for Seattle Cares Mentoring Movement. Cameron’s dedication to youth is a reflection of her profound authenticity and humanity. Six years ago, she lost her eldest son—a high school junior with plans and promise—to racial violence exacerbated by alcohol. At a party, he intervened to stop the harassment of a classmate. It cost him his life. Cameron and her husband and other children met their unfathomable loss with unwavering commitment, heightened urgency, and compassion for all youth impacted by violence—victims and perpetrators. The Cameron family honors Glenn, their fallen son and brother, by going forward with like courage. “I am excited to tell you about our vision!” Cameron begins. “To pull together our diverse community to take on the issues that impact our youth—involvement with drugs, alcohol, prostitution, and gangs. To speak a common language and collaborate to implement change.”

On May 21st, Cameron will be recognized at the Washington State Mentors’ annual Champions of Mentoring Benefit Luncheon on the ms Zaandam cruise ship at port at Seattle’s Smith Cove, sponsored by Holland America Line.