Summary
MentorKids USA, formerly known as MatchPoint of Arizona, is an independently incorporated affiliate ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries (PFM) and serves as a resource in the Phoenix area in mobilizing and supporting local churches in the development of a one-on-one mentoring program that matches caring, Christian adults with at-risk kids. MentorKids USA is the pilot ministry for PFM's Matchpoint program - a church-based program that PFM licenses to local Christian ministry affiliates. MentorKids USA believes that children most likely to end up in trouble are alienated--disconnected from positive adults in their lives. The mentoring program involves men and women age 21 and over setting aside 2-3 hours a week to love a child that desperately needs an adult friend. Mentors receive comprehensive initial training, additional in-service training and have regular contact with a Case Manager. MentorKids USA works closely with Juvenile Probation, Child Protective Services, school counselors, church representatives and parents to identify kids, ages 8 to 15 (16-18 year olds may be considered in exceptional circumstances). This organization is a nonprofit. Contributions to it are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Contact Information: [ Back to top ]
| Mailing Address: | 8960 E. Raintree Drive, Suite 300
Scottsdale, AZ
85260-5260 |
| Website: | www.mentorkidsusa.org |
| Phone: | (480) 767-6707 |
| Email: | You need to enable javascript to see the email |
Organization Details [ Back to top ]
EIN: 860865368
| CEO/President: |
Mr. Daryl J. Reese |
Tax Deductible: |
Yes |
| Chairman: |
Mr. Jerry Wilger |
Fiscal Year End: |
March 31 |
| Board Size: |
8 |
Financial info from: |
990 |
| Founder: |
Mr. Orv Krieger |
Member of ECFA: |
No |
| Year Founded: |
1997 |
Member of ECFA since: |
|
MentorKids USA (formerly known as MatchPoint of Arizona, Inc.) is an independently incorporated affiliate ministry of Prison Fellowship Ministries (PFM) and serves as a resource in the Phoenix area in mobilizing and supporting local churches in the development of a one-on-one mentoring program that matches caring, Christian adults with at-risk kids. MentorKids USA is the pilot ministry for PFM's Matchpoint program - a church-based program that PFM licenses to local Christian ministry affiliates. The Matchpoint program provides local youth and community development ministries with a mentoring model for restoring youth at risk of becoming chronic offenders to productive relationships with their families, communities, and Creator.
MentorKids USA partners with Christian churches to recruit and develop caring, responsible mentors who invest their lives into their "MatchKids". MentorKids believes that children most likely to end up in trouble are alienated--disconnected from positive adults in their lives. Family problems are at the core of the problem. The mentoring program involves men and women age 21 and over setting aside 2-3 hours a week to love a child that desperately needs an adult friend. Mentors serve as a guide and a role model. Mentors are rigorously screened, including state and federal background checks, and come from all walks of life. Mentors receive comprehensive initial training, additional in-service training and have regular contact with a Case Manager. Although the ministry is “one-on-one,” MentorKids USA provides extensive support every step of the way.
MentorKids USA works closely with Juvenile Probation, Child Protective Services, school counselors, church representatives and parents to identify kids, ages 8 to 15 (16-18 year olds may be considered in exceptional circumstances). All youth having to demonstrate two of the following risk factors: from a family with a parent or sibling in prison, living in a single parent home, any type of court contact, evidence of substance abuse, lagging behind in school or has dropped out, living below the poverty line, history of physical and/or sexual abuse.
The following elements are required to start a Matchpoint program: be willing to serve as an affiliate, Youth Referral Agency, bring together a coalition of churches, have a set of donors, and a desire to work with the local Christian community in ministering to at risk youth. The specific responsibilities of an affiliate include: mobilizing resources, implementing the Matchpoint program, and monitoring and evaluating the program. The Prison Fellowship National Office is responsible for the following: developing operations, marketing, and training materials; maintaining a resource database; training Prison Fellowship field staff; assessing potential affiliates; providing initial training and technical assistance; monitoring and evaluation. MentorKids USA partners with Christian churches to recruit and develop caring, responsible mentors who invest their lives in these children. MentorKids USA has peer groups in Boston, MA; Charleston, MS; Houston, TX; Orange County, CA; Upper Marlboro, MD.
This organization is a nonprofit. Contributions to it are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
MentorKids USA's Mission Statement is:
Our mission is to locate, train and empower mentors to be the presence of Christ to kids facing tough life challenges through one-to-one relationships.
Program Accomplishments [ Back to top ]
- MentorKids USA has served more than 500 youth since 1997.
- Their mentors represent more than 50 churches throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Each year they provide their mentors and mentees with nearly $75,000 worth of donated activities and events to enjoy.
- They partner with Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program to provide mentors to children with incarcerated parents.
- MentorKids works hand-in-hand with Neighborhood Ministries to help mentor 80 of the kids they serve.
- They are a member in good standing of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).
Statement of Faith [ Back to top ]
MentorKids USA's Statement of Faith is:
We believe in one God, Creator and Lord of the Universe, the co-eternal Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary atoning death on the cross, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven where, as truly God and truly man, He is the only mediator between God and man.
We believe that the Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired Word. It is without error in all its teachings, including creation, history, its own origins, and salvation. Christians must submit to its divine authority, both individually and corporately, in all matters of belief and conduct, which is demonstrated by true righteous living.
We believe that all people are lost sinners and cannot see the Kingdom of God except through the new birth. Justification is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
We believe in one holy, universal and apostolic Church. Its calling is to worship God and witness concerning its Head, Jesus Christ, preaching the Gospel among all nations and demonstrating its commitment by compassionate service to the needs of human beings and promoting righteousness and justice.
We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for the individual’s new birth and growth to maturity, and for the Church’s constant renewal in truth, wisdom, faith, holiness, love, power, and mission.
We believe that Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return in glory to raise the dead and bring salvation and judgment to completion. God will fully manifest His kingdom when He establishes a new heaven and new earth, in which He will be glorified forever and exclude all evil, suffering, and death.
In 1997, Orville Krieger founded Phoenix MatchPoint, in partnership with Prison Fellowship, to address the needs of at-risk youth in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area by matching caring Christian adults with youth ages 8-17 who showed warning signs of becoming criminal offenders. Youth targeted for mentoring included those who had either trouble with the law, significant school problems, dysfunctional family backgrounds, or drug or alcohol abuse.
Throughout the history of the organization, local churches have played a major role by providing program support and mentors. Mentors commit time each week to be a friend and role model for an at-risk youth. The mentors offer concrete expressions of unconditional love and support to the mentee; and the two participate in activities designed to build friendship, trust, and constructive values.
In January of 2004, Phoenix MatchPoint changed its name to MentorKids USA. Maintaining the heart of the organization, MentorKids USA continues to serve at-risk youth, specifically targeting youth between the ages of 5-18 who have an incarcerated parent, come from a single-parent household, have drug or alcohol problems, have been physically or sexually abused, have significant school problems, or live in poverty.
MentorKids USA has indicated the following ministry needs:
- As MentorKids USA grows, so does the need for more staff to screen, train, and support each volunteer match. Your gift will allow MentorKids USA to reach even more children.
- Their biggest need is for more mentors, with over 100 youth on their waiting list. They also have a need for tutors, both on long-term and short-term bases.
Research Analysis
Transparency Grade [ Back to top ]
| Transparency Grade of : A |
| Criteria category | Grade | Other Comments |
| Timeliness: | 100 | |
| Financial Information: | 100 | |
| Foundational Clarity: | | |
| Level of Cooperation: | | |
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MinistryWatch.com 5 Star Financial Efficiency Ratings [ Back to top ]
| Ranking Category | Rating | Overall Rank | Community Development Sector |
|---|
| Overall Efficiency Rating |  | 341 of 348 | 25 of 26 |
| Fund Acquisition Decision |  | 341 of 348 | 25 of 26 |
| Resource Allocation Decision | | of 348 | 22 of 26 |
| Asset Utilization Decision | | of 348 | 22 of 26 |
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