Our Mission

Mission Statement: Seeking to positively influence children by providing a solid foundation of meaningful relationships in our community through committed student mentors. 


Seeking to positively influence
GVSU Pals Student Mentors is one of many organizations around the globe that sees a need in its community and attempts to fulfill that need.  We attempt to give hope to those who are hopeless, care for those who are unable to get the attention they need, and befriend those who are in need of a friend. 

children
GVSU Pals Student Mentors is unique in its efforts by focusing on positively influencing today`s children; our next generation.  We believe that restoring a healthy environment with in a child`s life will instill a bright future for our families, neighborhoods, schools, and communities to come.

by providing a solid foundation of meaningful relationships
GVSU Pals Student Mentors is a theory based mentoring program.  This means we are based on scientific and empirical studies which support the methods in which we try to reach out and change a child`s life.  Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Bailey`s theory, used by Pals Student Mentors, explains the effects of early attachment relationships, along with broader social messages and other influences such as poverty, on the development of one`s sense of entitlement.

in our community
GVSU Pals Student Mentors works hand-in-hand with similar service oriented organizations in the Grand Rapids area, which we call "community partners".  We cooperatively collaborate based on organizations such as schools, christian ministries, and adoption agencies who recommend their children to the Pals Program. Through these community partners, we work together to improve the lives and well-being of children in Grand Rapids.

through committed student mentors.
GVSU Pals Student Mentors uniquely operates from the energy and passion of university students attending Grand Valley State University.  Although we understand the busyness that university studies may entail, we stress the importance of still finding time to be an active part of giving back to the society.  And what better way than to touch the life of a child.