Here in DC, the vast majority of the nearly 1,000 kids in foster care entered the system because of neglect or abuse. So BEST Kids offers them something they desperately need: consistent encouragement and support from a caring adult. BEST Kids provides long-term, one-on-one mentoring and monthly peer group activities to over 160 children and youth (ages 6-21) in DC’s child welfare system. Reliability is crucial, so mentors undergo extensive training and receive support from a team of staff and experts in psychiatry, education, legal advocacy, and behavior management. The average mentorship lasts over 18 months, double the national average, and in 2018, 91% of youth surveyed said they knew they could count on their mentors for support: they were actively participating in school, avoiding risky behavior, gaining self-esteem, and learning to advocate for themselves. Let’s help them continue to thrive.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 6
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Prince George's County
Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Latino/Hispanic
Awards & Recognition
Virginia Mentoring Partnership- Quality Based Member- November 2015
Press
- No stories found
Budget (FY2014)
- $3 million or higher
- $1 million to $3 million
- The current budget for BEST Kids, Inc. is: $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About the Catalogue for Philanthropy
Each year 120 expert reviewers evaluate applicants for distinction, merit, and impact. Each featured charity has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. The Catalogue for Philanthropy charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $40 million for charities across the Greater Washington region.
The Catalogue for Philanthropy looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to the Catalogue to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!