Hand in Hand connects at-risk individuals and families with a caring support system within their community. These friendships prevent crisis and build a foundation for stability and resilience.

Donate Now
Get Involved

Events

Events

Community Organizations: Register a booth for FROM VICTIM TO VICTOR

Hand in Hand Family Mentorship presents Derek Clark on March 14, 2025 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at JUMP Boise downtown.  Derek Clark, a nationally acclaimed motivational speaker and advocate, transformed his traumatic past—13 years in the foster care system filled with abuse and abandonment—into …

Read more

What does a mentor do?

Become Friends

Be a real friend and develop a connection

Inspire Progress

Share the joy that comes from personal improvement

Encourage Learning

Model how gaining knowledge has helped your life

Teach Self-Reliance

Encourage skills that will lead to stability and independence

Who are the mentors and mentees?

Meet the people of Hand in Hand Family Mentorship.

Who do we serve

Referrals come to us from:

Anyone who would benefit from a healthy relationship
Self-Referrals
Family Advocates
DHW Caseworkers
Safe Families of Treasure Valley
CATCH Idaho
Rise Family Services
Nampa Family Justice Center
Idaho Department of Correction
Boise Rescue Mission Ministries
And other charitable organizations

Our Story

Being foster parents brought many beautiful children into our home. Each experience was precious—soul-stretching and heart-crushing all at once. Yet, no matter how difficult, the pain and discomfort never outweighed …

Our Mission

We believe in the capacity of parents to make positive changes in their life. Our goal is not to fix people or their problems, but to help them feel empowered to change their trajectory.

Partner Organizations

The Story of Two Seedlings

As we open our circle of friendship to others, we create a sense of community and inclusion for those who need it most.

How you can help

Current mentor needs

People Waiting for a Mentor Right Now

A Young Dad in the Treasure Valley

A local single dad is looking for a mentor for friendship and support as he works toward stability and a career.

He is the primary caregiver for his young daughter and is working hard to provide a stable home for her. He’s also working toward building a career in a field he’s excited about.

Right now, he could really benefit from having a solid role model in his corner, someone who can listen, encourage him, share some life experience, and help him connect with resources or opportunities as he works toward his goals.

Location: Treasure Valley (Idaho resident)

Time commitment: Flexible, weekly contact

Requirements: 21+, background check, orientation

A Woman Working Toward Stability

A woman currently staying in a shelter is looking for a mentor as she works toward greater stability and housing.

She has a huge heart and a genuine love of people. She’s hoping to find someone to talk to, learn from, and build a real friendship with, someone who can also help point her toward resources as she works toward greater independence.

Right now, she could really benefit from having a steady, encouraging presence in her corner, someone who can listen, share some life experience, and walk alongside her as she takes these next steps.

Location: Treasure Valley (Idaho resident)

Time commitment: Flexible, weekly contact

Requirements: 21+, background check, orientation

If either of these sounds like something you might be interested in, we would love to hear from you. We are happy to tell you more and answer any questions.

Idaho's Child Welfare Statistics

The numbers tell the story

By strengthening families…we change the statistics…we change a life…we change the future.

2,005
children involved in maltreatment
1,101
entering foster care
1,400
in foster care
43 %
enter foster care for abuse
55 %
enter foster care for neglect/other
44 %
are reunited with their families
27 %
exited to adoption
10 %
exited to guardianship
How Mentors Helped Me

Testimonials

From Beth, current mentee in HNH program

“I love Hand in Hand! My mentor has been such a wonderful support for me. It’s definitely helped me stay in a better mental space having someone else to talk to. When you feel like everything is falling apart, having even just one extra person on your side rooting for you can make such a huge difference. I have felt it many times over.”

Text of a mentee to her mentor

“I finished my first quarter of school with 100% in both of my classes. My next set of classes starts on January 1st. Things are really looking up for me. I’m feeling so hopeful and proud of myself. And your support means so much to me. I’m so glad that I got to meet you and I hope we can continue to be life-long friends!”

From an agency caseworker

Our client and her mentor genuinely know each other. As a caseworker, I can’t do that, I’m spread among so many clients. The mentor bridges that gap and maintains healthy relationships with both the client and me.

The mentor helped my client empty her storage unit, that’s not something I can do as a caseworker, but it’s the kind of practical help and trusting connection this mom really needs.

The mentor has some lived experience herself and is willing to be vulnerable. She’s shared parts of her own story and how she’s worked through challenges, which helps her relate to this client. For that trust and progress to exist, this mentor is doing something very special.

From a current mentee

My mentor was so supportive of me during a period of homelessness with a one year old. She let me talk about everything and was always there with a hug and some kind words. Just knowing that someone saw me and what I was dealing with and didn’t judge me, only loved me.

Having someone I could rely on to talk things through and knowing that she was always a phone call or text away made me not feel so alone. She helped pull me through a very dark period. I was able to succeed and pull through with her words and support.

I adore everyone I have met and I have never felt judged. I will always be in favor of having more support for people who are going through difficult times.