MENtors Driving Change empowers boys, men, and fathers in Santa Cruz County through mentoring, healing, and leadership development. We believe that by strengthening father involvement and supporting positive male identity, we can build safer, more connected, and resilient families and communities. Our culturally responsive programs uplift youth from middle school to adulthood, especially those affected by father absence, trauma, or justice-system involvement.
The Jr. MENtors Leadership Academy engages middle & high school boys—especially those growing up without father figures—in weekly mentorship circles, emotional development workshops, and youth-led service projects. Through a strength-based, trauma-informed approach, participants build confidence, accountability, and leadership rooted in empathy, identity, and community connection.
In 2026, we aim to partner with our alumni youth to reach more youth at risk of disengagement and disconnection. We will also expand our local fatherhood training program to equip fathers—especially those with lived experience in child welfare, reentry, or family court—to become peer mentors who support other dads facing parenting challenges, navigating custody, and working to reconnect with their children.
Research indicates that boys in the U.S. face unique challenges, as they are more likely than girls to experience adverse outcomes such as academic failure, substance use, binge drinking, involvement in violent crime, behavioral disorders, and prescription of stimulant medications. Boys are twice as likely as girls to drop out of school and four times as likely to be expelled.
Your support will helps us increase our measurable, lasting impact on the well-being of individuals and families.
The Jr. MENtors program helped me become more confident and calm. I used to get in trouble, but now I talk things out and think before I act. It feels good to be part of something positive.
Jose M., age 14, Watsonville
