Introducing: SAM!

When we started the Skookum Mentor program two years ago, our goal was simple. We wanted to provide extra help to foster kids and foster families, and involve the community in the process. Over the last few years, we have had children ranging from 4 to 17 years old enrolled in the program, spending consistent time with safe and healthy adult mentors. In the past, mentors have bonded with kids over “recreational therapy” (i.e. eating donuts and playing at the park.)

Change is in the DNA of Skookum Kids. We’re an ever evolving group of people, always attempting to solve the latest problem, and meet the needs of the folks we work with. While we couldn’t have anticipated the changes that have come with 2020, we’ve been busy thinking outside the box and reframing the work that we do. The last six months have been filled with virtual meetings, new licensing processes, online volunteer training, and even a few cancelled events. While these changes have brought their fair share of challenges, it’s also given us the opportunity to adapt our work to the needs of our community.

With distance learning starting for Whatcom County students this Fall, we knew that we had to pivot the way we were serving families. We are so excited to expand our mentorship program to include Skookum Academic Mentors (or SAM for short), supporting kids in their educational journey for the 2020-2021 school year! Academic mentors will be able to meet with students for 2 hours a week, completing virtual learning assignments, catching up on missing assignments, and tailoring each session to fit a child's specific academic needs.

Our staff has been hard at work converting and redecorating an empty room in our office space dedicated to distance learning- collecting books, cozy furniture and workbooks for every grade! We’re so thankful for community members who have been so generous to help us in the launch of our new program, allowing us to purchase new technology and brand new school supplies. If you need me, I’ll be counting down the days until the first day of school.

Foster parents can request an academic mentor for the child in their home at skookumkids.org/mentor.