every child deserves more
Our belief
Every child deserves someone in their corner. At Mentors of Rush County Empowering Youth (M.o.R.E. for Kids), we believe that having a trusted mentor or lunch buddy can open doors to confidence, resilience, and opportunity. If you're a parent, guardian, or caring adult looking to give a child an extra layer of encouragement and support, you're in the right place.
Our program
Children and teens in our program benefit in meaningful, lasting ways—and it’s completely free for every family. There’s no cost to participate, because we believe every young person deserves the support of a caring mentor, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our mentors are cheerleaders, role models, and friends who show up, listen, and make time. Whether it’s sharing lunch, trying something new, or just having someone to talk to, mentorship can be a turning point in a child’s formative stage of life.
How it works
We match youth ages 6 – 16 with carefully screened, caring mentors who commit to spending time with them consistently—either in school or out in the community. Every match is made thoughtfully, based on shared interests, personalities, and availability.
We offer two program formats: (1) Lunch Buddies and (2) Mentorship.
Our dedicated Program Coordinator supports every step of the match —from enrollment to relationship-building.