AFC Mentoring is thrilled to announce that our average mentoring match length is now 55 Months, more than six times the national average of 9 Months! Studies show that adolescents in relationships that last a year or longer report the largest number of improvements, with progressively fewer effects emerging among youth who are in relationships that terminate earlier.*
The previous average mentoring match length at AFC was 26 Months. However, changes in AFC’s program model beginning in 2011 have resulted in a sharp increase. These changes have included:
- An investment in hiring a clinically-trained programming staff capable of whole person support.
- A decision to lower caseloads for programming staff in order to allow staff to provide intensive case management.
- An investment in the length and quality of the mentor screening and training process.
*Source: Grossman, J.B. & Rhodes, J.E. (2002). The test of time: Predictors and eects of duration in youth mentoring programs. American Journal of Community Psychology, 30, 199-206.
