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WHAT WE DO: Connect caring, responsible adults to at-risk (or at-promise as we like to say!) youth ages 4th-8th grade for one to one mentoring relationships through our Kids in the Middle mentoring program. Throughout the relationship, we support mentors and mentees ensuring each flourishes as a result of the pairing. Our trained staff supports volunteer mentors in all ways including providing fun group activities and access to things like movie and bowling passes. Learn how you can become a mentor We also support character education through media, workshops and events such as the CHARACTER COUNTS! In Klamath County Week. We provide guidance, resources and ideas on how to integrate the Six Pillars of Character ( trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship) or other proven character education models into school programs, organizations and the community. Additionally we work with passionate, like-minded partners on a variety of efforts, always with the goal of increasing the well-being of our youth.  WHY: Though the job of character education is primarily with parents, there are critical supporting roles to be played by everyone in the community. Negative and violent messages that pervade our culture are loud and frequent. We must proactively counter those with a unified, positive message about the values that sustain our democracy and our lives. Research is clear: the human brain is wired for relationships. When young people are bonded to responsible, caring adults, powered by positive messages and given valued roles in society, they are significantly less likely to use drugs or drop out of school. WHAT WE BELIEVE: There are common ethical values that transcend political, religious, economic and cultural differences. When the six pillars of character are modeled, taught and expected our community becomes healthier and our children thrive. While acknowledging there are no silver bullet remedies to the problems of anti-social behavior in youth, Citizens for Safe Schools believes many behaviors such as school failure, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, disrespect and poor citizenship all have a common core: the lack of good character and the lack of responsible, caring adult role models. MISSION STATEMENT: Citizens For Safe Schools believes character really does count: in personal relationships, in schools, in the workplace and in life- who we are makes a difference. We are dedicated to making the development of character a top priority in our schools, homes and community as a means of keeping kids safe and drug free. WHO WE ARE: Founded in 1999 by Klamath County District Attorney Ed Caleb and high school English teacher Debbie Vought, this committee of concerned citizens and their partners in law enforcement rallied around the ideas of reducing school violence, drug and dropout rates through positive youth development. CFSS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by an active board of directors and supported by an advisory committee of parents, teachers and other citizens. Contact us at 541-882-3198 or by email at info@citizensforsafeschools.org. Office hours are 8 am through 5 pm Monday through Friday. Appointments are strongly encouraged but walk-ins are welcome! FOR UPCOMING EVENTS, LIKE THE KLAMATH COUNTY RUN FOR KIDS, CLICK HERE!  
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