Testimonials
"I just want to say thanks for everything. Thanks for being a mentor
and most of all, a friend. I don't know what path my life would have taken without your help or your friendship."
~ Eddie, 18 years old, Mentee
 | “Mentoring is a simple idea that is not easy to implement, and even more difficult to sustain. The Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance Stand By Me Mentoring program is a shining example of how the vision and passion of a small group of individuals can impact the lives of young people and influence an entire community. Kathy Witkowicki is tireless finding ways to support the young people of the Sonoma Valley with mentoring opportunities. All you have to do is visit their website and you can see the amazing range of opportunities that are presented from outdoor adventures to culinary delights. If you attend one of their events you know instantly why they have continued to grow over the past 14 years. I am pleased to be a friend and fan of the Stand By Me Mentoring program.” ~ Dr. Jim Kooler, Administrator of Statewide Youth Development Programs |
| "Having
worked on efforts to grow Mentoring opportunities for young people the past
forty years, I can share with unbridled enthusiasm that the Sonoma Valley
Mentoring Alliance is one of the most effective programs I have ever worked
with. The data to support this
observation includes the incredible training and support for mentors, the highest
mentor retention rate in the state, an intimate working relationship with the
local schools and businesses, and spectacular outcome results for the young
people participating in the "Stand By Me" mentoring program. When it comes to mentoring young people, the
Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance deserves a "Standing O" from all of
us!" ~ Dr. Andy Mecca, President of California Mentor Foundation |  |
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"By simply offering my time and friendship, my assistance and encouragement, I have witnessed an awakening in my mentee's self-esteem, confidence and academics. And while perceived as 'giving,' it is I who receive the ten-fold benefit of this partnership." ~ Deborah Baratta, Mentor |
The Sonoma Valley "Stand By Me" Mentoring Alliance is an excellent example of how a community can benefit through committed and caring individuals. They are having tremendous success at keeping at-risk youth positive and productive. This one-on-one mentoring program has been very successful at turning lives around, preventing anti-social and criminal activity, as well as developing our at-risk youth into productive members of society that contribute positively to the community instead of becoming a drain on our limited resources."~ Bill Cogbill, Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner |
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"In my twenty two years of working at Flowery School, I have not seen any program that has so intimately touched the lives of so many of our students." ~ Doris Estudillo, |
