Seedling

Seedling's Mission is to support children challenged by parental incarceration with innovative, research driven, school-based mentoring. Across Central Texas, children with parents in the Texas prison system go to school and live with pain and stigma. When a child loses a parent to incarceration, they lose possibly the most significant person in their life. As a result they face significant risk factors that can make it difficult to succeed in school. Our Vision All children have the support they need to achieve and prosper despite life challenges and circumstances. Seedling believes in the promise of every child: the promise of an education, the promise of a future, and the promise of all they can contribute to society. Our Work: The Seedling Mentor Program The Seedling Mentor Program began in February 2006 at the request of a group of school principals who were concerned about the growing numbers of children affected by the incarceration of one or both of their parents. Seedling recruits volunteers from the community, matches them with eligible children, and offers ongoing support to both children and mentors. Our mentors provide stable, long-term relationships for the students and help them develop and maintain positive attitudes towards school. Since 2006, Seedling has served over 2000 students, with a presence on 150+ campuses in 11 districts and 16 charter schools in Austin and Central Texas. Supported, nurtured, and encouraged, the children of the Seedling Mentor Program build the resilience necessary to overcome their circumstances and fulfill the promise of their young lives. www.seedlingmentors.org