I have been to the office and know it exists. I have heard of their fundraising events. I have never met a child that has been a part of the program.
My son is a mentor to a little boy who had problems making friends in school because he just moved to our town. He was also absent from school quite a bit. My son told me that since he has been visiting his buddy at school over lunch, the boy now has a couple of friends and the teacher said he never misses school on the day when his mentor is coming to see him. They like to play football with my son and he said he feels he is making a difference because his buddy seems happier and he's not getting into so much trouble during recess. The principal told him that just by being himself, my son is a good role model for the little boy, who does not have a positive male role model in his life.
I have been working for BFMP for the past 14months and after 10+ years in the non-profit sector I am impressed with the quality of program BFMP Provides. It is wonderful to have the largest mentoring organization in ND located in Dickinson ND
Presently administers matches between about 200 kids and their mentors. Approaches the growing problem of 'at risk' children in a very efficient, comprehensive manner. Has a very good 'brand' within the community.
Best Friends has a geat reputation in Dickinson. The program benefits both the mentor and the child they are working with. There's a lot of logic to the idea of establishing another adult connection early on - much more cost effective to do it sooner than later. I've only heard good things about Best Friends.