Dear Parent/Guardian,

SMILES Mentoring is a non profit organization formed with family support in mind. As the caregivers of children in today’s society we all face serious social and economic issues. Our goal is to work together as a community to help children realize their personal and educational potential through a large scale one-to-one mentoring program.

Every child deserves the chance to have their dreams become a reality. SMILES is committed to implementing a high quality professional school-based mentoring program to help our youth succeed with their education through high school and beyond.

The mentor’s role is that of friend, coach and guide working to complement support the child receives from family members and the school. When a child is referred to participate in the SMILES Program, we match that child with a qualified volunteer who serves as a one-to-one mentor. In order to qualify to become a SMILES mentor, volunteers must complete an application, be interviewed by SMILES staff, provide three reference checks, submit to a criminal history background check, and attend a two-hour mentor training program.

A SMILES Mentor meets with the child once a week for a year in our school-based program. Our intent is for the mentor and mentee to develop a healthy and supportive relationship through their participation in SMILES program activities.

We hope you will be pleased by your child being chosen to participate in the SMILES program. SMILES offers support and guidance for both the youth and the mentors, and we will do our best to ensure the success of the relationship.

Please feel free to contact SMILES at 508-999-9300 or via email at

Marie-Frances Rivera,
Program Manager, SMILES Mentoring