Department of Education study ranks our program among the top in the country:

A 2009 study funded the the US Department of Education found Citizens for Safe Schools' Kids in the Middle (KIM) mentoring program is one of the highest performing programs in the country.

Using a treatment and control group design, the study compared academic and behavior outcomes for students in the Kids in the Middle program with a group of similar students who did not receive mentoring. The study found students in the KIM program were twice as likely as their non-participating peers to identify personal goals, and make plans to accomplish them.  Further, students in KIM performed better than their peers in reading and math, and were less likely than their non-particpating peers to have unexcused absences from school. Finally, these students were three times less likely to commit delinquent behavior and six times less likely to re-offend if they had any delinquency prior to program involvement.

Stories from some of our successful matches:

Barb and Kaitlin

The first memory Barb has about the beginnings of her relationship with Kaitlin is of Kaitlin getting in her car and immediately changing the radio station.  In fact, not only did she change the radio station, according to Barb, she somehow managed to touch just about every button on the dashboard.  “That’s how Kaitlin is,” Barb says and smiles, “She’s a doer, she likes to go.”  Kaitlin does have a lot of energy, during our conversation she manages to expertly field a few text messages while still fully engaged in the dialouge.  Kaitlin has been paired with Barb in the Kids in the Middle mentoring program for three years. Prior to her becoming a part of the program, she had some serious problems in school.  After a multitude of behavioral issues Kaitlin was expelled. Kaitlin talks about how she used to get “about 50 referrals” in the first half of a school year alone. This year she’s had two. Barb credits it with Kaitlin maturing.  Kaitlin then goes on to talk about some of her friends, according to her she doesn’t fight with friends as much anymore. Kaitlin also says she used to have trouble making friends, these days, not so much. In fact she has two “best friends.” Kaitlin is also now able to spend time with her nieces and nephews, something she says she enjoys, especially taking pictures of them. “That’s one area she’s really matured in,” said Barb.  Barb explains Kaitlin did not used to get along very well with her sister and would fight constantly with her nieces and nephews. Barb says, “ I want Kaitlin to think about college or the armed services because Kaitlin is smart. She’d be great with technology or something technical. She can’t teach because she’s too impatient,” Barb laughs about this, and adds, “She needs to do something, she’s smart.”  When asked what it is like hanging out with Barb, Kaitlin explains, “We have fun, we have a lot in common, I don’t have a lot in common with most people but Barb and I have a lot in common.”  The two often go bowling, ice skating and rollerblading.  Kaitlin’s outgoing personality has inspired Barb. Barb says, “She’ll talk to anyone, truly, and openly, I love that about her.” 

Barb is getting ready to leave on a short vacation. Kaitlin remembers when Barb took a recent trip to Hawaii and says, “She brought me back this pink necklace, she always brings me something when she goes away, she always thinks of me when she goes somewhere.”

Craig and Carson

When applying to be a part of the Kids in the Middle Mentoring program, Carson’s counselor explained Carson was on medication to help him focus and that he had a lot of family issues. An assessment found C. at times depressed and withdrawn. Many of his grades upon entering the program were D’s and F’s. 

Craig and Carson have been together since Carson was 10, about two years. Carson wasn’t too sure about mentoring but thought maybe, “It'll make me be better.” Carson also says the best thing about it is, “It gets me out of the house.” The two go walking, climbing, to the lava beds, have movie nights and go fishing. Carson says he likes hanging out with Craig because while most of his friends are sedentary, Craig, “likes to do stuff.” Carson also says he doesn’t have much family just a mom. Craig says, “ It’s fun, I really lucked out, I didn’t know what I was getting into but Carson impressed me right away.” Craig says he misses spending time with his kids so it’s fun to hang out with Carson. When asked how he’s changed during the time spent with Craig, Carson says, “I’m doing better in school and that makes me feel good.” Craig says, “I don’t know what his grades are, but Carson’s smart, there’s no reason for him to do poorly in school and if he says his grades are improving, they are. Carson’s growing, and so am I.”

 Steve and Austin

 Steve says of getting involved in the mentoring program, “It’s a little different for me, I’m not a parent of anything” Steve and Austin met in early 2009 and started to mesh pretty quickly. They do activities like bowling, going to museums, arcades, and racquetball. Steve says, “He’s a good communicator, he talks a lot which is good for me. “ Austin says, “It’s nice to out and have fun without my sister!  We sometimes just go out to eat,” said Austin  “Nothing too complicated” is how Steve describes most of their outings. Steve is a business owner; Austin is in middle school. Austin's counselor said he had learning difficulties and could benefit from a mentor. His counselor also said, “Behavior wise and socially Austin has grown. He just had 1 incident of fighting this school year, Austin even helps the janitor sweep and shovel snow”

Steve told the program when applying, “I am not a parent however I see so many young people who look like they have potential but were never shown how to get started and have a meaningful life. There are so many young people who desperately need guidance, my life is flexible now and it would give me great pleasure to give guidance and companionship to a young person.”

 “Since Austin and I have been hanging out, he has become more talkative, and comfortable with our relationship.  He is a pleasure to be around.  I remember once when we were bowling, we did a high five when he got a strike, and that seemed to make a difference, in a good way.” said Steve.