Welcome to the online home of Governor Phil Bredesen’s Mentoring Initiative. The Initiative pairs teenagers in foster care with a stable, positive adult influence in their lives through volunteer mentors.

Research shows that mentoring can have a significant impact on the lives of young people as they prepare for adulthood. Pre-teens and teenagers who participate in a mentoring relationship are:

• 46 percent less likely to initiate drug use
• 27 percent less likely to get into a fight
• Less likely to skip classes or miss school
• More confident in their ability to complete schoolwork

Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America “Making a Difference” study, 2000

This site provides information about how to become a mentor, what’s involved in mentoring a teen and support for volunteer mentors.

“We want good folks, from all walks of life, to share some of their time and wisdom with Tennessee’s foster care kids. Every child needs a steady hand to help guide him or her into independent, adult living. By giving our most vulnerable kids – those living in foster care - that support, we boost their chances of successfully transitioning into the grown-up world.”

- Governor Phil Bredesen