Leaders in Future Environments (LIFE) Project is a mentoring program which aims to strengthen and promote leadership in youth affected by parental incarceration.

History:
During the late 1990's, a group of volunteers took on the much needed task of addressing the challenges faced by children with incarcerated parents. These volunteers soon recognized the need to celebrate the strengths and unique qualities of these youth.

These visionaries set out to foster a safe space for children of incarcerated parents to connect and take part in positive recreational activities, creating what is known today as the Leaders in Future Environments (LIFE) Project, a program of Centerforce (www.centerforce.org).

The LIFE Project is now a one-on-one mentoring program for youth who have been impacted by the incarceration of a parent or parental figure in their life. The LIFE Project serves youth throughout Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties. The program consists of weekly one-on-one mentoring, activities at recreational and cultural events around the Bay Area, as well as an annual weekend retreat.

We are seeking caring and compassionate individuals who have the time and energy to make a one year commitment to the mentoring program. If you don't see yourself having the time to mentor, there are also opportunities to volunteer with the LIFE Project, working on program enhancements and helping out with weekend events.

One-on-one mentoring for the LIFE Project includes weekly contact with your mentee as well as attendance at weekend activities and the retreat. Mentors must be 21 and older. All participating mentors must also attend the comprehensive 2-day training at the beginning of our next program year, July 26-27 2008.

To apply for a mentoring position, or for more information on volunteering with the LIFE project, please email LIFEProject@centerforce.org.

Contact person: Sarah McKinnon, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (415) 456-2146

Address:

2955 Kerner Blvd. San Rafael, CA 94901 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.lifeproject.centerforce.org

Directions:

Mentors are needed in Alameda, Contra-Costa, Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo County.