Parent Mentoring Program

in support of strong families

Parents from low-income households in San Francisco face barriers that prevent them from fully engaging in their children’s education — from language and cultural gaps to long work hours and lack of access to resources. In response, the Urban Angels SF Parent Mentoring Program was launched to empower parents as active participants and leaders in their children’s academic lives.

In Fall 2025, we’re expanding this work with a free online resource hub featuring educational videos, checklists, how-to guides, and more — so parents can access support anytime, anywhere. If you or someone you know would benefit from early access, contact us for early access.

Help build stronger students by supporting and stronger families. Donations to support this program are welcome year-round.

See more below about why parent mentoring for San Francisco families in need is highly beneficial.

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The Importance of Parent Mentoring

Mentoring parents in low-income families to prioritize their children's school success is highly beneficial. It can improve children's academic performance, emotional well-being, and future prospects by fostering a supportive home environment. Mentors can provide guidance on navigating the educational system, advocating for their children's needs, and creating a positive learning atmosphere at home.

Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:

For the Children:

  • Improved Academic Outcomes:

    Mentorship can lead to better grades, higher test scores, and increased engagement in school.

  • Enhanced Social and Emotional Development:

    Mentors can help children build self-esteem, develop communication skills, and learn valuable life skills like problem-solving and decision-making, according to Youth Villages and SSM Health.

  • Increased Motivation and Engagement:

    A supportive mentor can inspire children to value education and see its long-term benefits.

  • Greater Access to Resources:

    Mentors can help families connect with resources like tutoring, after-school programs, and other support services.

For the Parents:

  • Increased Awareness and Understanding of the Educational System: Mentors can provide guidance on how to navigate school policies, communicate with teachers, and advocate for their children's needs, according to Engage for Success.

  • Enhanced Parenting Skills: Mentors can offer support and advice on creating a positive and stimulating learning environment at home.

  • Increased Confidence and Empowerment: Mentoring can help parents feel more confident in their ability to support their children's education.

  • Stronger Parent-Child Relationships: Mentorship can foster a more positive and communicative relationship between parents and children.

For the Community:

  • Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: By investing in children's education, mentorship programs can help families escape poverty and improve their overall well-being.

  • Building Stronger Communities: When children succeed in school, they are more likely to become productive members of their communities.

  • Promoting Social Mobility: Education is a key factor in social mobility, and mentorship can help children from low-income families achieve upward mobility.

Our Approach to Parent Mentoring

To effectively mentor parents from low-income families to value their children's literacy success, it's crucial to build trust, offer practical support, and connect literacy to their daily lives. This involves understanding their unique challenges, providing accessible resources, and empowering them to become active participants in their children's education.

Here's more details on Urban Angels SF’s approach to Parent Mentoring for low-income families:

1. Build Trust and Understanding:

  • Recognize and respect diverse backgrounds: Acknowledge the specific challenges faced by low-income families, such as limited resources, time constraints, and potential language barriers.

  • Actively listen and learn: Engage in open communication, understand their perspectives, and tailor your approach to their individual needs and circumstances.

  • Build rapport: Establish a positive and trusting relationship with parents, demonstrating that you are a supportive ally.

2. Provide Practical Support and Resources:

  • Offer accessible resources: Provide information about free or low-cost literacy programs, libraries, and community centers.

  • Share practical tips: Equip parents with specific strategies for incorporating literacy into daily routines, such as reading aloud, storytelling, and playing word games.

  • Connect them with support networks: Refer them to relevant community organizations and resources that can address their specific needs.

3. Make Literacy Relevant to Their Lives:

  • Highlight the connection between literacy and success: Explain how literacy skills can lead to better job opportunities, improved health outcomes, and increased economic stability.

  • Connect literacy to their interests: Tailor activities and materials to their children's interests, making learning more engaging and meaningful.

  • Showcase the joy of reading: Share personal stories about the positive impact of literacy on your own life or the lives of others.

4. Empower Parents as Partners:

  • Involve them in classroom activities: Invite parents to participate in school events, volunteer opportunities, or literacy-focused workshops.

  • Encourage them to share their expertise: Recognize and value the knowledge and experiences that parents bring to the table.

  • Celebrate their successes: Acknowledge and appreciate parents' efforts, no matter how small, to foster a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

By implementing these strategies, mentors can effectively guide low-income families in valuing and supporting their children's literacy success, ultimately contributing to their academic and personal growth.