Finding belonging through connection

When this 6th grade student joined our mentor circle, he told us something that stopped us in our tracks — his mom and dad had abandoned him when he was five years old. Since then, he’d had only one adult he could truly depend on.

In circles, that began to change. Week after week, surrounded by safe and supportive adults, this student found a place where he could share his story and be heard.

Now, he shows up with a smile. He’s learning that there are people for him — people who see his potential, not just his pain.

This is what FOR Lakeland is all about: helping students find stability, connection, and hope through mentoring and care.

Because no student should ever have to face life alone.

👉 Become a Partner or Make a Donation to be part of a student’s story.

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