Q. How old are the youth involved in Project Believe?

A. Typically youth range from 11-18yrs old, however the maturity level of most of the teens we serve may be at a higher lever due to the distressed circumstance and survival techniques.

Q. We live in Orange County, seriously? Where do you find all these homeless youth?

A. Trust us, we had the same shocking reaction to the thousands of numbers reported in 2009 by the OC Department of Education. Reality is that it is a real epidemic here and in many other parts of our country. Project Believe currently targets about 1,400 out of over 22,000 homeless youth living in shelters in Orange and LA County.

Q. Why is there so many homeless youth in Orange County?

A. While the reasons may be endless as to the high rate of family homelessness in our society, Project Believe wants to begin by making an impact in youth ages 11-18. We believe that this age group is responsible in making the crucial decisions that can make or break their future. We witness a collision of problems such as abuse, neglect, trauma and violence that lie underneath the event of homelessness and try to address those first.

Q. I would like to make an in-kind donation, what do you need?

A. Project Believe accepts donations year around such as back packs, sleeping bags, pillows, pillow cases, hygiene packs, duffle bags, books, bibles, school supplies, and back to school clothes and shoes. We give these items out primarily at our annual event, however if there is a youth in need, we hand it out as needed. To make an in-kind donation email: michelle@project-believe.com

Q. My church, business or organization would love to give back! How do we do that?

A. There are many creative ways for groups to get involved and give back in the community! Groups have organized in-kind goods drives, event set up crews, walk a thons, bake sales and various other fundraisers. Getting the word out and bringing awareness is the biggest thing you could do for us! Email michelle@project-believe.com for more info!

Q. I’m not great at dealing with teenagers, is there anything else I can do?

A. You bet! Although we are a small but growing nonprofit, we need help in various ways that may match your gifts and skills. Contact us about Research and Development, Administrative, and Marketing Interns openings in the Fall of 2011.

Be Real Mentoring

Q. Where do I begin?

A. The first step to being a Mentor for BE Real, is filling out the inquiry form on our Get Involved page. Secondly you can attend one of our information sessions listed on our Calendar of Events. Our staff will guide you through the application process from there!

Q. Who can be a mentor?

A. There are no special skills needed to be a mentor. Mentors should be over 18 and meet the minimum qualifications listed here.

Q. How much time is required?

A. On average a mentor could spend about 1-2 hours per week with their mentee. Once a month the mentor fills out an activity log so we can track the progress of each match.

Q. What do I do with my youth match each week?

A. The time spent with each match depends on the similar interests of the mentor and mentee. Things to do can range from ice scream outings, movies, amusement parks or a simple phone call of encouragement!

Q. Will I be trained?

A. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible going into your match. Trainings are given quarterly and topics covered are communication, boundaries, and confidentiality and program rules. These trainings are mandatory prior to any mentor match.

Q. What if I need help with my match throughout the year?

A. Each mentor will be assigned a mentor coordinator whose sole purpose is to mentor you in the journey you will be taking with your match. They will be available for all your questions and needs.

Q. Can mentoring be done with a group?

A. The model for Be Real mentoring is strictly one to one. We believe that this is the most consistent force of impact we can give to a hurting youth. We do have monthly group activities, but mainly one on one.

Q. What if I can only commit a few months of the program?

A. Our minimum requirements for time commitment is 9-12 months. We believe strongly that anything less than that not enough to believe wholeheartedly in these youth. Stability and consistency is key to this population.