Mentoring4Success makes a difference in Kansas!
Mentoring4Success is a statewide initiative that delivers mentoring services to help offenders safely and successfully return to communities. This community-based effort is led by experienced service organizations that guide mentoring organizations and mentors and work closely with the Kansas Department of Corrections to match eligible offenders to mentors as part of reentry.
Mentors make a difference!
"The Helen Initiative"
Twenty years ago, Helen served 15 years in prison for writing bad checks. She battled mental illness and lost her family ties and support while in prison. After being released and with no place to go, Helen stood outside the fence at the women's prison in Topeka, asking to be let in - time and time again. There was no one to send her to for help. Helen slept on the streets of Topeka and, in time, she found her way to Wichita. Several years later, Helen died- homeless and alone.
If Helen had been able to have a support person - someone to help her find resources, get connected to mental health care, give her advice and kindness - things may have been different.
In Kansas, it's a fact:
- 4,700 people release from prison each year.
- At least half need help with housing, employment, family and other issues.
- Kansas has reduced parolees' returns to prison by half. Mentoring can reduce this even more.
- Currently, Kansas Mentoring4Success has 500 active mentoring matches.
- There are 12 Lead Organizations throughout Kansas with Mentor Coordinators working diligently in recruiting, training and providing 24-hour support.
