Compassion Kids: NCMI Multi-State Mentoring Initiative

The Multi-State Mentoring Program provides funding to support established mentoring organizations in their efforts to strengthen and/or expand their existing mentoring activities within local chapters or sub-awardees in five or more states to reduce juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problem and high-risk behaviors. FY 2014 funding will address the factors that can lead to or serve as a catalyst for delinquency or other problem behaviors in underserved youth, including youth in high-risk environments, children of incarcerated parents and tribal youth. The program is comprised of three categories: Category 1 for organizations implementing one-on-one mentoring programs, Category 2 for Group mentoring programs and Category 3 for a combination of both one-on-one and group mentoring.

Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Inc (NCMI) is the faith-based non-profit arm of the Church of the Nazarene serving as the intermediary for 182 non-profits involved in social justice and compassion issues nationwide. Of the 182, NCMI has 67 Compassionate Ministries Centers (CMC) providing youth services in 25 states. The community-focused work of these non-profits grows out of the faith commitment to promote "Compassion as a Lifestyle" living in solidarity with and serving those who suffer under injustice, violence, poverty, hunger, and disease. Youth are a natural priority when seeking to reduce poverty and its impact on future generations. NCMI and its CMC affiliates nurture and model compassionate character among at-risk youth through high quality mentoring of the Compassion Kids program. By developing both inward and outward strengths and skills in at-risk youth, Compassion Kids not only affects change in youth but also for their communities.

CF/NCF