The
Updraft
Matching caring adults with youth in need through safe, effective, and transformative mentoring relationships across Greater Milwaukee.
Our Intent
"F.L.Y.S.T.R.A.T.E. increases mentoring relationships by building the capacity of existing mentoring organizations — matching caring adults with children in need through safe, effective mentoring programs throughout Greater Milwaukee."
Forever Living Young
Striving Taking Responsibility
Accomplishing Tasks Everyday.
Nine words. Nine pillars. One flight path we walk with every young person we match.
Forever
A commitment that outlasts a program cycle — mentorship as a lifelong relationship.
Living
Learning happens in real life — shared meals, first jobs, hard days, real conversations.
Young
Meeting youth where they are, honoring their voice, energy, and vision for themselves.
Striving
Reaching further than yesterday — steady effort toward goals that matter.
Taking
Taking initiative, taking ownership, taking the next right step even when it's hard.
Responsibility
To self, to family, to community — the through-line of every mentoring match we make.
Accomplishing
Turning intention into evidence. Small wins stacked into a life the youth is proud of.
Tasks
The daily work — homework, applications, workouts, follow-through. Character in motion.
Everyday
Not once in a while. Every day. Consistency is the quiet ingredient that changes lives.
Having a mentor didn't just give me advice — it gave me a mirror to see who I could actually become. It started with one conversation.
Marcus J.
Mentee, Class of '23