Over the last few years, New Hope's prison ministry has made an impact in the lives of Hawaii's prisoners and their families. With over 6,000 Hawaii residents currently incarcerated; the number of children with a parent in prison has grown significantly. Through our Angel Tree program, New Hope has been reaching out to many of these children several times throughout the year.

Yet these children are seeking for something more. They are seeking a relationship with someone that they can trust.

Recently New Hope formed a Mentoring Program that prepares and assists Christian volunteers to be "matched" as a "mentor" in a friendship with a child. The goal is to provide young people with a role model who will listen to their problems and express God's love through one-to-one relationships.

Meet Grace Toki
Leading this new program is Grace Toki. As Grace walks through the hallways of the Ministry Center, her eyes sparkle as she talks about her job as a New Hope staff member. Grace has a very special job at New Hope and it is one that she doesn't take lightly.

"I am the mentor coordinator for New Hope's Prison Ministry Mentoring Program.  My role is to recruit and train the mentors," says Grace Toki. "I also interview the caregivers of the children and recruit the children into this program. I will make a match based on geographic proximity, same gender match, mentor's age preference, common interests etc."

YOU Can Make a Difference
National research has shown that the positive relationships between youth and their mentors have a direct, measurable and lasting impact on children's lives. Children are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to be involved in violence.

"A mentor could be the only adult who has ever expressed consistent love or respect in their lives," explains Grace.  "A mentor can light up the child's world and it is through that illumination that the child senses God's love and can be drawn to a relationship with Him."

You don't need any special skills to be mentor. We are looking for those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and sense His call on their lives to enter this mission field of one-to-one ministry.

So what are YOU waiting for? Sign up today to make a difference in a child's life today! We will do the training and match you with a child that shares a common interest.