Common Grace Connects Kids with Mentors in Honolulu

Dr. John Frauens is an orthopedic consultant for the division of corrections with the State of Hawaii Department of Public Safety, where he has been since 2011. Dr. John Frauens also belongs to the board of directors for Common Grace. 

A nonprofit based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Common Grace connects children in elementary schools with caring mentors of all ages. Currently the nonprofit partners with 27 schools and serves 150 students, but hopes to increase that to 3,000 children by 2025. The majority of these students face challenges such as homelessness, broken homes, and non-English-speaking families. Though some students simply desire the personal attention a mentor can provide. 

There are three facets of Common Grace. Classic Common Grace partners schools with neighborhood churches. GrandGrace develops relationships between mentors, kids, and elderly members of the community, also known as kupuna. The third is called YouthGrace, which connects high school-aged students with elementary-aged students. 

There are many advantages to mentorship—studies show that kids with mentors are less likely to use illegal drugs and alcohol, less likely to skip school or class, and less likely to hit someone. Honolulu residents can visit www.commongrace.org for more information.

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