LINKS Lunch Buddy Program volunteers are community members looking for a one-on-one volunteer opportunity. Our program coordinator gathers data from new volunteers regarding special skills or interests to assist in the proper placement of the volunteer. Our volunteers come from all backgrounds and include recent college graduates, working adults, retirees and parents.

LINKS Lunch Buddy mentors spend one hour per week in the schools as lunch buddies. LINKS Lunch Buddy mentors help students feel engaged, supported and challenged. The mentor's role is to provide social-emotional support which will improve students' confidence and help students acquire the skills needed for lifelong success, in school and beyond.

There is a wide range of reasons students get referred to the program. A teacher, principal or counselor can identify which students will benefit the most from the program and who face challenges to their academic success. The students might:

• Qualify for Safety Net Services
• Be English Language Learners
• Qualify as homeless under McKinney-Vento
• Be having behavioral challenges which affect their ability to focus on academics
• Be having trouble connecting and engaging with the teacher or other students.
• Be any student that would benefit from having extra adult support.

All mentors attend a two-hour orientation that will provide information and tips to be successful. There are also a variety of activities and resources available on this webpage. In addition, every school has a Lunch Buddy School Site Coordinator that manages the program at their school. The district LINKS Program Coordinator, Victoria Goetze-Nelso (425-936-1410) is also available at any time to answer questions or address any concerns.