GoodFellows is an apprenticeship-mentoring program whose primary goal is to develop and strengthen leadership and academic skills in our youth. GoodFellows focuses on increasing the opportunities for exemplary high school and college age youth to participate in mentoring children in the foster care system. The Apprenticeship provides guidance in business and organizational skills in addition to sensitivity training in the area of foster children.

The word "GoodFellows" is derived from the words "Good" meaning stable and "Fellow” meaning partner. These two words come together to create a program that is both challenging and rewarding. The program consists of young men and women between the ages of 17 and 25 who are dedicated to giving back to young boys and girls in foster care.

GoodFellows is a three-tier interactive apprenticeship-mentoring program. Trained, experienced and dedicated staff serves as senior mentors and counselors. GoodFellows apprentices mentor girls and boys currently in foster care. The primary components are as follows: • Senior mentors and counselors identify and facilitate linkages to resources and opportunities that help GoodFellows apprentices develop themselves along the lines of business, education, community awareness and leadership; all necessary skills for success. • The apprentice-mentors serve as functional role models for the foster children by maintaining academic excellence, tutoring and by developing positive friendships. • The GoodFellows program focuses on the intellectual, physical, social and ethical development of the program participants. Apprentices and foster children engage in activities that promote quality and consistency in their lives.

Through the GoodFellows program Wings of Refuge also host events that are specifically designed to address the issue of self-esteem among boys and girls in foster care. The events are called “Esteem Yourself” for the girls and “Keeping It Real” for the boys. These events are geared to positively address health and wellness, AIDS awareness, etiquette, hygiene and personal development for teenagers. This innovative component encourages growth in both their personal and professional lives.

Through the leadership of Wings of Refuge organizations around the state of California are working to replicate the GoodFellows program.

Wings of Support

Our foster families and our staff aspire to and are deeply committed to assisting all of our children to reach their full potential emotionally, developmentally, culturally, socially and spiritually. We recognize that it is important for children with developmental disabilities to interact with and participate in activities with their non-disabled peers. Wings of Support staff work to ensure that the necessary support systems are provided to ensure this interaction.

Wings of Support collaborates with other support agencies to ensure that our children are successfully matched with programs and opportunities that best meet their values, interest, needs and experiences.