Growing Stronger: A New Chapter for FOR Lakeland Mentor Circles
Over the past year, we piloted our mentor circles with one goal in mind: to learn. We knew there would be successes, challenges, and plenty of adjustments along the way. As we've reflected on the year, one thing has become incredibly clear—relationships are the foundation of student growth.
The strongest part of our program wasn't a lesson or an activity. It was the consistent presence of caring adults who showed up week after week. Students opened up, built trust, and found a place where they felt safe to be themselves. This year, we're leaning into that strength more than ever.
We also identified one of the biggest barriers our students face: respect.
So many of the challenges students shared—whether at school, at home, or with peers—came back to questions of respect. How do I respect myself? How do I show respect to others? What do I do when I don't feel respected?
Those questions have shaped an entirely new year of mentor circle conversations.
This year, students will explore what it means to grow in confidence, earn respect through character, extend respect to others even when it's difficult, and discover how their own stories can become a source of strength instead of shame. Our hope is that students leave knowing they have the ability to influence their schools and communities for the better.
We're also excited to share that we're expanding.
This fall, FOR Lakeland will launch additional mentor circles, creating space for up to 30 students at each of two middle schools. More students will have the opportunity to experience consistent mentoring, meaningful conversations, and a community where they are seen, known, and encouraged.
We're grateful for everything we learned during our pilot year, and we're even more excited about what's ahead. Every conversation, every relationship, and every student reminds us that lasting change happens one week, one circle, and one story at a time.
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