January 16, 2026
January Is National Mentoring Month
National Mentoring Month is a time to celebrate the power of consistent, caring relationships and the impact they have on young people. At Friends of the Children – Houston, mentoring is not a moment or a program. It is a long-term commitment that shows up week after week, year after year.
Our professional mentors build trust with youth through everyday experiences that support growth, confidence, and stability. Recently, that took shape through a creative vision board projectthat invited youth to reflect on their goals and imagine what their futures could hold. One example comes from Raven*, who, with guidance from Professional Mentor Zeyanna, created a board that reflected her hopes and strengths. When she finished, she proudly shared that she planned to hang it in her room as a daily reminder of what she is working toward.
We also see the power of mentoring in the way confidence grows over time. Steffon has worked closely with two youth who struggled with classroom engagement and self-confidence. Through consistent encouragement and relationship building, they began to feel more secure, more focused, and more connected. Over time, their confidence increased, and meaningful friendships formed.
As Professional Mentor Gabriel shared, “Every child deserves to be seen and heard.” That belief shows up daily in the way our mentors support youth as they build skills, celebrate accomplishments, and take pride in reaching new goals.
Early learning is another place where mentoring makes a difference. Mentors like Sara spend intentional time supporting youth as they practice letters, strengthen fine motor skills, and develop a love of learning. These moments help youth feel capable and proud, laying a strong foundation for future success.
Lawren reflected on the importance of long-term relationships, saying, “Having someone there guiding you and empowering you can make all the difference in the world.” That commitment to showing up and believing in youth is at the heart of our work.
This is what mentoring truly looks like. It is steady, personal, and rooted in trust. We are grateful for our mentors and the role they play in helping youth grow, dream, and build a future full of possibility.
