Mentoring Programs (Families/Friends of People With Cancer, Youth)

The agency provides family support services for youth ages 7 to 17, who have a family member with cancer and live in Los Angeles County. Services include mentoring programs for youth whose parent, guardian or sibling has cancer, has passed away from cancer or is in remission from cancer, and mentoring services volunteer opportunities. Age restrictions apply; there are no geographic restrictions.

The program matches kids who are impacted by a family member's cancer with an adult who has had a similar experience. Mentors are involved with youth for one year, spending 6-8 hours per month participating in community activities. Mentors serve as advocates to provide guidance about coping with cancer in the family. The agency sponsors activities and events for mentors, mentees and families to attend, provides an art healing program through group sessions and coordinates holiday support for families. Older mentees may participate in life skills, budgeting and college preparation workshops, and take on leadership roles within the program. Graduating seniors may apply for a scholarship.

Temporary financial support may be available for program participants; families may may apply once per year to receive up to $1500.

Volunteer mentors must be 22 years old and have been impacted by witnessing a loved one's cancer battle, or be a cancer survivor. Volunteers must complete a LiveScan fingerprinting check, pass a TB test, and commit 6 to 8 hours monthly, for at least one year. There are additional opportunities for college interns, administrative volunteers and event volunteers. The program also recruits volunteer ambassadors to speak about the agency to organizations, groups and businesses throughout southern California.