Having a parent in prison or jail can make growing up even more difficult.
The Hour Friend in Deed mentoring program for children with incarcerated parents transforms lives.
Young people benefit from additional adult support in areas including emotional well-being, social relationships, avoiding problem behavior and academic achievement.
Mentors can play an important role in addressing the needs of children with incarcerated parents. Mentors are caring adults who can be role models, and can offer guidance and support. They can also be a source of stability and normalcy for a child who may be experiencing a lot of disruption and uncertainty. Our evidence-based mentoring program matches children in need with a caring adult mentor, and supports the mentoring relationship every step of the way.
HFID Mentors commit to spending at least four hours per month with their mentee, and to be involved with the program for at least one year. Most relationships extend well-beyond that commitment, as both mentor and mentee find their lives enriched and transformed by their shared experiences.
Download an Application
To learn more about becoming a mentor or to enroll a child in the program, please contact Kellie Phelan at 718-433-4724, ext. 317.
Mentors lives are transformed as well.
Meet Beatrice and Brooklynn
Bea and Brook are sisters, although not in the traditional sense. In 2013, when Brooklynn was just six years old, she met Beatrice, co-founder and COO of a crypto trading startup. Beatrice was excited but nervous to meet with her new mentee through the Hour Friend In Deed program. Brook’s genuine enthusiasm upon their very first meeting put Bea’s nerves to rest, and the pair have forged a deep, sisterly bond over the last several years.
Brook’s two older sisters also now join them regularly. “It’s been amazing watching them grow into young women. We are family; I’m so incredibly proud of them.”
Together, they explore the city, see new sights, laugh a ton, and get really goofy. Every year, Bea brings the girls to Hershey Park for an extra dose of girl time. “It’s pressure-free fun,” Bea says. But it is also a source of stability and warmth for both Brook and Bea.
“We are always laughing; they are a real tonic and keep me going when work/life is a grind. Being a mentor gives you a priceless perspective and is so much fun!”
