How 12 years of mentoring benefits kids with Jorie Das
- Brad
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Release date: June 22, 2026
Research shows that mentoring improves health, mental health, and other outcomes for mentees. But these outcomes can be compromised and even worsened when mentor relationships are brief, inconsistent, or inadequately supported. Jorie Das, my guest this episode, is the Executive Director of Friends LA. Like all Friends of the Children chapters, the mission of Friends LA is to provide every child involved in the child welfare system with a single, trained mentor for the entirety of their primary, middle, and high school years. How does Friends LA get mentors to make such a commitment? It pays them. Jorie and I discuss this model, its benefits, and the effect it is having in her region. More information about Jorie and Friends LA is below.
Biography of Jorie Das
Jorie Das is the Executive Director of Friends LA, the Los Angeles Branch of Friends of the Children, a non-profit that pairs children facing systemic barriers with full-time, salaried professional mentors called “Friends.” Friends commit to working with the same child for 12 years, from kindergarten through graduation. The model is relationship-based, individualized, and holistic, supporting youth at school, at home, and in their communities.
Growing up in the foster care system herself, Jorie is deeply committed to positive youth development and trauma-informed care, believing in the transformative power of consistent relationships. The impact of Friends LA extends far beyond the individual child, they help remove barriers and break cycles of generational struggle, ultimately improving families’ mental and physical health, educational outcomes, and long-term financial wellness.
With over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience focused on youth programming and advocacy in Greater Los Angeles, Jorie is a seasoned youth development specialist. Under her leadership, Friends LA has doubled the number of youth served and launched satellite offices to expand programming countywide, strengthening partnerships with public and private agencies.
Jorie previously served as Interim Executive Director at InsideOUT Writers and held executive roles at Baby2Baby and Free Arts. She holds a BA in Ethnic Studies and Art from the University of Oregon and an MA in International Affairs and Business from Chapman University.
Links
Friends LA
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