About Us
“All kids need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them.” -- Earvin "Magic" Johnson
SOSMentor is committed to improving the lives of thousands of Los Angeles students through our innovative “train the trainer” mentoring. Founded in 2000, SOSMentor’s initial focus was college preparation and career readiness. In 2006, we shifted our primary focus to addressing childhood obesity through nutrition education and physical fitness programs.
In our award-winning programs, caring adults take a personal interest in a child, mentoring them in proper nutrition and fitness. Mentored students then become teachers themselves to younger students and their families, reinforcing the lessons they have learned while spreading positive messages throughout the community.
Since 2006, over 2,000 students in the greater Los Angeles area have participated in our ShapeUp program. In 2011, we launched the LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign, an unprecedented effort to raise awareness about nutrition and fitness in our schools.
SOSMentor’s programs are providing students with the information and tools they need to lead healthy, successful lives. Through education and the development of leadership skills, we are taking active measures to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic.
In our award-winning programs, caring adults take a personal interest in a child, mentoring them in proper nutrition and fitness. Mentored students then become teachers themselves to younger students and their families, reinforcing the lessons they have learned while spreading positive messages throughout the community.
Since 2006, over 2,000 students in the greater Los Angeles area have participated in our ShapeUp program. In 2011, we launched the LAUSD Healthy Schools Campaign, an unprecedented effort to raise awareness about nutrition and fitness in our schools.
SOSMentor’s programs are providing students with the information and tools they need to lead healthy, successful lives. Through education and the development of leadership skills, we are taking active measures to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic.
Our Founders
SOSMentor was founded by Dr. Robert Donahue and Carole Donahue, who have a combined 70 years of experience as educators. Robert serves as SOSMentor’s Executive Director and has a doctorate in higher education and school finance. He recently retired as a public school principal, after serving as a teacher, counselor and administrator for 38 years. He is currently leading SOSMentor and developing curriculum for the programs.
Carole Donahue has over 27 years experience as a classroom teacher and program coordinator, and has been recognized for her work in developing mentoring and other support programs for at-risk youth. In 1995, she founded the largest school-based mentoring program in California, which has served as a model for programs in other schools nationwide, earning her national recognition for her innovative approach. Carole was the Coordinator of family literacy programs for LAUSD and recently developed a series of workshops on nutrition literacy for 100 schools. Carole has been active in Rotary for over twelve years, first Woodland Hills Rotary and then Los Angeles Rotary. Bob joined LA5 Rotary a year ago, after he retired from a lifetime in public education.
Rotary is an important base of support for SOSMentor, supplying financial support and mentors who participate in the organization’s ShapeUp and College Knowledge Programs.
SOSMentor was founded by Dr. Robert Donahue and Carole Donahue, who have a combined 70 years of experience as educators. Robert serves as SOSMentor’s Executive Director and has a doctorate in higher education and school finance. He recently retired as a public school principal, after serving as a teacher, counselor and administrator for 38 years. He is currently leading SOSMentor and developing curriculum for the programs.
Carole Donahue has over 27 years experience as a classroom teacher and program coordinator, and has been recognized for her work in developing mentoring and other support programs for at-risk youth. In 1995, she founded the largest school-based mentoring program in California, which has served as a model for programs in other schools nationwide, earning her national recognition for her innovative approach. Carole was the Coordinator of family literacy programs for LAUSD and recently developed a series of workshops on nutrition literacy for 100 schools. Carole has been active in Rotary for over twelve years, first Woodland Hills Rotary and then Los Angeles Rotary. Bob joined LA5 Rotary a year ago, after he retired from a lifetime in public education.
Rotary is an important base of support for SOSMentor, supplying financial support and mentors who participate in the organization’s ShapeUp and College Knowledge Programs.
