From Mentee to Apprentice: How Mentorship Opened The Door To Real-World Opportunity

We’re proud to share that one of our former Faithful Friends mentees, Roland, has just started an apprenticeship at Braking Cycles in the bike repair shop!

Roland is doing great — learning hands-on mechanical skills, gaining confidence, and preparing for the working world. What started as a mentorship relationship through our program with Faithful Friends has grown into vocational training and real-world job experience through Braking Cycles Coffee & Bike Shop!

This is the long-term vision of Braking Cycles.

Not just support for a season - but pathways that grow with our youth over time.

Why Mentorship Matters

Roland’s story is a powerful reminder that early investment creates future opportunity.

Through Faithful Friends, children ages 6–9 are paired with caring mentors who show up consistently. That steady presence builds confidence, trust, and resilience — foundations that prepare youth for what comes next.

When mentorship creates opportunity for housing, job training, and community support, cycles of poverty, addiction, and hopelessness truly begin to break.

You're Invited: Become A Mentor!

If you are interested in learning more about what becoming a Faithful Friends mentor looks like, please attend our next Informational Session on Thursday, March 5th from 6:30 - 8:00pm.

To register, email: grace@faithfulfriendspdx.org.