William G. & Kathie Beattie mentoring Program
Jericho’s Beattie Mentoring Program is founded on the belief that every student – regardless of their circumstances – has the potential to reach their highest purpose while growing in faith, character, and confidence. By pairing middle and high school students with caring adult mentors, we foster long-term, Christ-centered relationships that offer consistent guidance, encouragement, and support. These relationships are designed to help students navigate life’s challenges and grow into strong, mature followers of Christ.
Mentor/Mentee relationships are designed to last a minimum of two years, but often extend well beyond – through high school graduation and even into adulthood.
Through consistent support, mentors become trusted advisors, role models, and friends. They help change the trajectory of a student’s life by offering guidance rooted in Christ’s love.
Mentors empower students to overcome challenges, build resilience, and discover hope for the future. These relationships foster spiritual growth and equip students with the tools to thrive in all areas of life – leaving a lasting impact on their families, communities, and beyond.
Jericho’s mentors are not meant to replace parents. They are simply called to be present. To care. To be a safe, compassionate listener. To offer sound, Christ-centered wisdom. And above all, to be a steady, reliable presence in a young person’s life.
Our History and Impact
Jericho’s flagship mentoring initiative began in 1998, when William “Bill” Beattie became deeply concerned about the low graduation rate in Danbury. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in poverty in Philadelphia – and the profound impact of two mentors in his life, a science teacher and a pastor – Bill felt called to create change.
With five men from Walnut Hill Community Church and five boys from New Hope Baptist Church, the Pathways Danbury Mentoring Program was born. In 2011, Naomi Mentoring was launched to serve young girls. Bill and his late wife, Kathie – who passed away in 2020 – have devoted their lives to investing in the youth of Danbury.
Since its founding, Jericho has mentored hundreds of boys and girls, dedicating thousands of hours to relationship-building and support. The result: an impressive 98% graduation rate among mentees, far surpassing the national average.
Today, the impact comes full circle as several of our earliest mentees have returned to Jericho as mentors, continuing the legacy of faith, hope, and transformation.
Bible Study & Life Prep Workshops
Bible study is a cornerstone of the Beattie Mentoring program, providing the spiritual growth we aim to foster in the students we serve. Rooted in Christ’s call to love and disciple others, our Bible study program provides students with the opportunity to explore the Word of God, deepen their faith, and apply biblical principles to their daily lives. These studies offer a meaningful way for students to connect with God and build a strong spiritual foundation.
Our weekly on-site group Bible study offers a safe and supportive environment for students to ask questions, build relationships, and discuss how Scripture applies to their daily lives. These groups are a unique aspect of our programming, setting us apart and fostering a sense of community among participants. By engaging in Bible study, students gain not only a deeper understanding of God’s Word but also practical tools for navigating life’s challenges, cultivating hope, and living with purpose.
We added life-prep workshops – focusing on financial literacy, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and career readiness as a way to ensure our mentees are on a path to a life of excellence following high school graduation.
Interested in Mentoring?
You don’t need to have all the answers — we’ll equip you with the tools and training you need and be with you every step of the way.
What matters most is a heart for making a difference in a young person’s life, a willingness to show up consistently, and a commitment to walk alongside your mentee as they navigate life and grow in their faith.
We request that Mentors make a minimum commitment of two years, though many relationships naturally continue through high school graduation and often well beyond.
Interested in learning more? We’d love to talk with you about how you can become part of this life-changing journey.
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