Mentor a Child, Change A Life

The Legacy Project is a mentoring program in Seminole Co. for children in the foster care system and the Independent Living Program. While the project serves children of all ages, the mentoring program is particularly critical for older foster children because they must be able to succeed at the young age of 18 without the help of a family. Statistics show that more than 50% of foster children leave foster care without a high school diploma or a job, 60% will be homeless at some point throughout their lives, and most will live in poverty, and their children are likely to experience abuse if these innocent children are not helped now.

Why Mentor?

Children that are mentored are more likely to graduate from high school, less likely to be arrested, less likely to abuse drugs and more likely to succeed in life. Research shows that if foster children are linked with a caring adult at an early age, many of the challenges the teenage foster children face today would be avoided. That is why it is so important to make sure that every child has a mentor. The gift of your time and love will change the lives of our kids for generations! Further, in the Independent Living Program there are currently two case managers responsible for the futures of nearly 100 teenage foster kids. They can't do it alone, they need your help!

What is the Commitment?

It is asked that you have some type of contact with your child 1 hour a week or 4 hours per month (for at least one year). However, the more time you spend with your child the more meaningful the friendship and relationship become.

The Process

- Complete an IL Mentor Interest Survey (below) and email it to Amanda Annis (amanda.annis@cbcseminole.org) or Keri Flynn (Keri.Flynn@cbcseminole.org ).

- They will then contact you. You will need to complete a packet of information that includes background checks, fingerprints, and DMV screening. You will then go through a short (30 minutes) overview training of what you should know and expect prior to your commitment.

- On June 10, 2009 there will be a Mentor Match Event (something fun like bowling or something similar) to help you connect with a child seeking a mentor. (All children involved have requested a mentor.)

For more information, contact Ms. Flynn at (407) 333 - 8256 or (407) 921-2216 or

Ms. Annis at (407) 688 - 9650 or (407) 694-2892.