Supporting healthy male development, relationships & fatherhood

A 501©3 nonprofit based in Santa Cruz County focused on empowering boys, men, and dads through social-emotional development, mentorship, community engagement, and advocacy.

MENtors is committed to supporting boys and men in reaching their full potential as healthy members of their families and communities. The organization strives to overcome injustice by promoting awareness, education, support, and empowerment for boys, men, and dads.

We believe boys, men, and fathers can develop healthier social-emotional awareness, engagement, and connection, fostering strong relationships with themselves, their families, and the broader community.

Founded in 2017 by Deutron Kebebew, a fatherhood intervention expert who led the Supporting Father Involvement clinical research project in Santa Cruz County, MENtors grew to become a trusted local nonprofit supporting over 4,000 fathers through evidence-based curriculum.

• Boys Incorporated Club – mentoring groups for boys (ages 10–18)
• Men Box Project – personal and relationship development for men
• DADS – father-involvement & co-parenting support groups
• Community education & outreach programs promoting male-inclusive services
• 100 MENtors Who Care – volunteer mentorship network
• Workshops, support groups, trainings, and community events

MENtors’ fatherhood and boys’ programs serve more than 150 participants annually, with 76–80% showing marked improvements in behavior, attitude, and family engagement. Client testimonials highlight closer relationships with children and improved communication skills.

• Deutron Kebebew (Founder & Executive Director): leads MENtors, brings 15+ years in fatherhood intervention, has served over 4,000 fathers; awardee of UC Santa Cruz Community Service Award, United Way Community Hero, Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.
• Robert Allen: Board President (since 2017)
• Richard Davis: Board Secretary (since 2019)
• Buzz Anderson: Board Treasurer (since 2020)
• John Williams: Emeritus Treasurer (2017–2021)
• Board Members and Staff: Dedicated professionals and volunteers committed to organization's mission.

• 100 MENtors Who Care – a volunteer mentorship group that enriches community support.
• Fatherhood Advisory Council – platform for dads with lived experience to mentor peers.
• Collaborations with local schools, agencies (e.g., probation system), and universities (UC Berkeley, Yale).

• Donate – all contributions are tax-deductible; part of 100 MENtors Who Care initiative
• Volunteer – mentors, workshop facilitators, event support via 100 MENtors
• Participate – join boys’, men’s, and dads’ support groups (Zoom & in-person)
• Stay Informed – join the mailing list for events, trainings, and campaigns
• Board/Advisory Roles – join the Fatherhood Advisory Council or board

Address: PO Box 1585, Freedom, CA 95019

Office (by appointment): 15 Madison St, Watsonville, CA 95076

Phone: (831) 588‑7592

Email: info@mentorsdc.org

Official website: https://www.mentorsdc.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentorsdc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentorsdc/