Local nonprofit mentors vulnerable kids in the Coachella Valley
Gavin Nguyen
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An Indio nonprofit is ensuring vulnerable Coachella Valley students are guided down the right path.
Friends of the Children Coachella Valley is still in its first year of serving children and their families in the desert, but its nationwide parent organization, Friends of the Children has been operating for over 30 years.
The organization reports it tends to see higher rates of school success and high school graduation, as well as lower rates of teen pregnancy and children involved in the juvenile justice system.
The Coachella Valley chapter hosted an open house Wednesday morning. Local city leaders and nonprofits gathered at its Indio office for an introduction to the services they provide. Organizers also provided tours of the nonprofit’s clubhouse – a safe space where the children they support have access to Wi-Fi, technology, and other things that may be difficult to find at home.
Right now, Friends of the Children is designed to provide long-term support and mentorship for 24 valley kids. These kids and their families often face food and housing insecurity. They may also face retention or behavior challenges in the classroom.
Three full-time mentors provide one-on-one support and work ten-hour days, four days a week during the summers.
Despite less than a year of developing a relationship with the organization’s first cohort of 24 students, mentors – known as “friends” to the kids – have already created an inseparable bond.
“I have had parents tell me that they’re very grateful that I’m in their lives, that they see me as family,” said Marbella Oseguera, one of the three professional mentors staffed by Friends of the Children. “It is a long term commitment and some days are difficult, I’ll be honest. … I make clear to them that even when their days are challenging, I’m going to be here through it all.”
Before being selected to the mentorship program, kids are referred to the nonprofit by both Desert Sands and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts. According to the nonprofit, faculty identifies students who may need extra support. Staff will then go to the school to observe the children who have been referred.
“We watch the young people on the playground, maybe it’s in the lunchroom, in their classroom, meet with them, and then the final step is meeting with their parents. Because we’re committing to 12 years,” said Karrie Schaaf, the organization’s Executive Director.
Schaaf said their mission goes beyond just the students, too. The program is designed to provide long-term guidance and advocacy for the students’ families – their parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
“We also support the families… so the caregivers get our support in our advocacy. We’re their cheerleaders, just like the young people,” added Schaaf.
Now, the the nonprofit said it is looking to expand their team and services. A spokesperson with the organization said they are looking for additional funding to expand its coverage to the entirety of the Coachella Valley. They also plan to hire engagement coordinators to work with families in need to secure affordable housing and other services.
Ben Guitron, city councilmember with Indio, said of the nonprofit’s mission, “If they’re there to help – [even] just guide them for resources or make that difference in that youth as they’re developing – it’s a blessing to all of us, because the future is our youth.”