Our Program | Join Us  | Support Us |  Contact Us | Donate
About Us
FAQs
Foster Care Facts

Our kids experience
fun and
adventure in:

Music
The Arts
Sports
Volunteer Service
Dining Out
and
Nature


Why
For more than 77,000 kids in California's foster care system, typical childhood experiences may be completely alien. Removed from their homes because of severe neglect or abuse, most of the kids have faced unthinkable sadness and trauma. Some have never experienced life's simplest joys and pleasures. While California's foster care system provides them with the basics-food, shelter, and medical care -- many may not receive much else.

What
At Wonder, we match kids in foster care, one-on-one, with caring adults (21 years or older) who know how to listen, support, and guide each child through fun, age-appropriate experiences in music, the arts, sports, volunteer service, dining out, and nature. They spend about 8 hours a month together for a year or longer, allowing each child the chance to help plan and actively participate in a wide range of activities and conversations. For some kids, these experiences will be "firsts" -- filled with excitement and self-discovery. For others, it's an opportunity to explore personal interests and talents. For all of them, it's the stability of a consistent adult who encourages them to try something new, engages them in conversations, and enriches their lives. It's a connection with an adult who believes in them.

Read about one of our mentoring matches by clicking here:
FieldReport, "Quiet Vigil" by Sue Pearson-Atkinson, October 1, 2008


A little Wonder goes a long way!

  • Better quality of life while in foster care - Each child experiences the kind of fun and adventure that brings big smiles and even bigger memories.
  • Increased resiliency - Researchers have found that the single most important factor in building resiliency in children is the consistent presence of a caring, supportive person who provides unconditional love; nonjudgmental, active listening; and actions that communicate "I am here for you."
  • Increased self-confidence - Kids build confidence by doing. Encouragement and support can help a child feel safe enough to try something new.
  • Improved academic participation and reduced risk of drug and alcohol use - Years of research on the benefits of mentoring confirm that children with a consistent, caring mentor participate in school more and are less likely to use drugs and alcohol.


Back to top