Tuesday’s Children

Youth Mentoring for Post 9/11 Military Families of the Fallen 

Tuesday’s Children’s addresses the needs of military families in all stages of recovery following the loss of a family member. The cornerstone of Tuesday’s Children’s programs, Youth Mentoring, encourages and supports mutually beneficial, longstanding relationships between adult role models and children ages 8-18. These mentorships enable children to grow both emotionally and socially, to build resilience, and to develop coping skills while making healthy choices. Studies show that youth mentoring from a consistent, stable, and supportive adult role model reduces risky behavior and fills an unmet need for children impacted by traumatic loss. Tuesday’s Children’s Career Resource Center enhances life skills through leadership development, college preparation, and career guidance. With a focus on education, support, and guidance, Tuesday’s Children’s Career Resource Center meets the needs of Gold Star children and family members who are beginning to envision their careers, struggling to apply to college, seeking their first internship or job, or trying to return to the workforce following an absence. With this NFL-BWF grant, Tuesday’s Children will improve the emotional, academic, and behavioral outcomes of Gold Star children, siblings, and surviving family members nationwide through a combination of Youth Mentoring and Career Resource Center programming. These programs provide vital connections, particularly during the ongoing pandemic, when there is greater risk of isolation in children and young adults, especially those who have already experienced traumatic loss. 

The goal of this grant is to improve the emotional, academic, and behavioral outcomes of at least 4,000 Gold Star children, siblings, and surviving family members nationwide through a combination of Youth Mentoring and Career Resource Center programming.