A better me. A better we.
A better way.

For over 30 years our mission has been to help youth develop character, competence, and commitment for personal and community improvement.

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What Makes Us Different

First Serve hires, equips, and trains outstanding high school students to mentor children in their own community. Through hundreds of hours of positive interaction each year, mentors and mentees build self esteem, life skills, leadership skills, and long-lasting connections that enrich their lives.

What Makes Us Different

1

We invest in people, not properties

Not one cent of our budget is spent on administrative offices, so more dollars go directly to the households of our teen mentors.

2

We Empower Our Mentors

Through regular paychecks or by funding special youth programs. Our goal is to teach mentors to lead themselves and focus on taking advantage of meaningful opportunities available to them through First Serve.

3

We work with established programs

Rather than starting from the very beginning, we partner with organizations that are already ingrained in the everyday lives of our communities.

4

We truly believe in the individual

We work hard to make the experience specific to each child and each mentor, and meet everyone’s unique needs.

Our Impact

95%

vocational training, college education or employment

0%

of budget
spent on administrative offices

$1M+

into the households of teen mentors

500

hours of positive engagement each year

1000s

of children with caring role models

A better way to make an impact

By sponsoring our students, you’re helping them build skills that prepare them for the future and allow them to make a measurable difference in their communities.

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Healthy communities start at an individual level.

By engaging, educating, and empowering youth in their most formative years,
lasting, sustainable change in neighborhoods is possible.

In a society, where interpersonal connections are crucial, First Serve presents a distinctive chance to foster genuine connections and expand one's outlook. Developing empathy and gaining a nuanced understanding of the world are crucial qualities that can enhance various factors of life, and First Serve effectively promotes those ideals.... With the immense amount of support from Mr. Frederick and First Serve I feel prepared for this upcoming chapter in life. Through my ongoing passion for singing with Dimension 20 I have learned to buckle down for what is important. I have become more disciplined when it comes to decision making, and learned the importance of time management, which has paid off tremendously in what I have to be able to accomplish and what I will be able to achieve in my future.

Lauren

Since I started with First Serve, I have seen a significant change in myself. I've developed more compassion, openness, and community involvement. I have the honor of working with young children as a staff member at the Banner Lake After School Program, providing instruction and encouraging their passion for learning... I'm committed to returning the favor by encouraging the next generation to realize their own potential by sharing the help and advice l've been fortunate enough to receive.

Jayla

This initiative has been a cornerstone for my personal and academic development. First Serve has fostered my communication skills, particularly in my interactions with peers. I have gained the confidence to express myself both emotionally and mentally. Engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow students at Forest Hill has broadened my perspective and allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level. My journey with First Serve has been transformative, shaping both my academic path and personal growth. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and support provided by this program.

Misael

I would highly recommend First Serve to any high school student. It has helped me immensely in finding myself and my voice, and sometimes high school can be intimidating so it means a lot to have some place where you can be authentic and feel seen and heard.

Emily

If I were to have the experience of the First Serve program when I was a kid I feel I could have utilized it in so many ways helping pave my path for life. If I were to recommend someone this program I would tell them that they can really help guide you.

Kade

Being a part of this team has helped me in so many ways... I have learned things financially, socially, and emotionally... I have learned how to better communicate and react to things... I have learned how to better manage my money [and] most importantly I have gained a community, one I know I can call and ask for advice and guidance throughout my life going forward... A community that will continue to uplift me even after I finish high school.

Christina

[First Serve] has given me amazing opportunities to develop my skills and connect with mentors. I can't thank them enough for the support and guidance they've provided. If someone was in my shoes when I first started high school, I would definitely recommend the First Serve program to them. It helps with personal growth, leadership, and building a strong foundation for the future.

Diego