MENTORING HAS ALWAYS BEEN PART OF FLY
When FLY was founded in 2000, we were guided by the input of youth in the juvenile system. Mentorship was part of that input that we received.
In 2013, FLY partnered with Supervising Judge of the Juvenile Justice Court Hon. Patrick Tondreau and the District Attorney’s Office to pilot its Court Appointed Friend and Advocate (CAFA) program. This program focused on serving court-involved youth, pairing them with trained mentors to guide them and advocate for them in a court of law. Since then, FLY has evolved to include mentorship within our many different programs.
Building on FLY’s extensive experience serving youth in detention and reentry, FLY mentorship is expanding through the Credible Messenger Mentor (CMM) Program as a complementary enhancement to our existing San Mateo County Programs.
Credible Messenger Mentors (CMM)
Credible Messenger Mentors (CMM) are individuals with lived experience of the justice system who have successfully completed coaching, case management, or leadership programs and demonstrate positive peer potential. As Credible Messenger Mentors, they use this shared understanding of community, culture, and history to build trust with youth and families, strengthening engagement during their mentorship.
Each and every FLY CMM empathizes, guides, and encourages their mentee. They share the same goals as FLY: a desire to empower young people to build stronger futures.
Who Is the Credible Messenger Mentor Program For?
Current FLY program participants, ages 11–25 in San Mateo County who have been impacted by the justice system. The CMM Program targets youth with the highest needs—those in custody at the YSC, youth with multiple charges, out-of-county placements, foster care involvement, or those lacking stability or support systems.
1:1 Mentoring
By dedicating four hours each month, CMMs focus on building strong relationships, establishing realistic milestones, and tackling immediate challenges to reentry, such as housing, employment, education, healthcare, and essential needs.
GOAL SETTING
CMMs guide and empower young people to adopt positive alternative behaviors that foster social and personal growth, helping them fulfill the objectives outlined in their tailored individual plans. Within custodial environments, CMMs aid youth in managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and making sound decisions, establishing a reliable presence that lowers tension and fosters a secure, encouraging atmosphere.
prosocial activities
Throughout the program year, matches have opportunities to get together with their peers and do fun things like go-karting, laser tag, and escape games. At these events, youth get to practice prosocial skill building with the support of peers, mentors, and staff while strengthening their bond as a match.
Change Lives. Become a FLY Credible Messenger Mentor.
We are always looking for dedicated mentors. Credible Messenger Mentors must be 21 or older, have lived experience with the justice system, live in San Mateo County or surrounding areas and be able to meet one‑on‑one with youth weekly for at least nine months. Your time, empathy, and experience can make a difference.
Impact
As a result of participation in FLY’s Mentor Program, youth report that they want to make positive changes, that they now have hope for their futures, and that the program has given them more confidence to deal with negative peer pressure.
For more information about the high value of mentoring, read what retired Santa Clara Superior Court Judge Leonard Edwards says in the article linked below.
One Caring Adult
Decreased Justice System Involvement
On average, over 75% of youth who successfully complete FLY’s Mentor Program also complete over probation, and over 80% of all youth in the program do not sustain a new charge. By comparison, national research data shows that without effective intervention, 50% – 80% of youth released from facilities will recidivate.
Increased Social-Emotional Learning
On average, over 75% of youth increase their social-emotional learning skills in at least one of the following domains: self-awareness, social awareness, critical thinking, and self-advocacy.
Together, these outcomes lead youth to greater self-sufficiency, as well as give youth the tools to become leaders in our communities.
Contact for more information
SAN MATEO COUNTY
Credible Messenger Program Manager
Amzi Maya-Lopez
amzi@flyprogram.org
(510) 932-0215
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FLY is important because most of these kids don’t trust anyone. They do need hands-on attention. And that is what FLY mentors give them – someone they can count on and trust and have a positive relationship with. Without FLY, I know I would see far more repeat offenders. In a year of probation, the probation officer can change, the judges can change, and the only person that doesn’t change is the FLY mentor. I depend on the mentors of FLY.