About Us

A ministry born to serve Jacksonville students.

Echo Mentoring, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting students with caring adult mentors — beginning at Nichols Intermediate Campus.

Our Mission
“To support students and families as trusted friends, offering biblical wisdom and life experience. We seek to echo the way of Christ in both word and action, living out the call to ‘Follow me as I follow Christ.’”
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Hear the heart behind Echo Mentoring.

Who We Serve

Students who need someone in their corner.

There's a real need in our community among students considered at-risk — young people facing challenges such as family instability or a lack of consistent support. In Jacksonville, more than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line. That's where Echo Mentoring comes in — matching students with caring adult mentors to build consistent, meaningful relationships that support and encourage them.

The term “at-risk youth” refers to young people who have a higher probability of experiencing negative life outcomes due to challenging circumstances including poverty, abuse, neglect, family instability, or lack of resources. This term reflects a temporary condition requiring support, not a permanent label.

Our Vision

In our first year, Echo Mentoring is launching 25 mentor/student matches at Nichols Intermediate Campus, with plans to thoughtfully expand to additional Jacksonville campuses in the future. Looking ahead, we also see potential to incorporate additional support for students and families — including after-school tutoring, extended care, and summer programming as needs and resources allow.

Our Goal

Our goal is simple: to ensure students feel seen, supported, and connected to a positive adult influence in their lives.

Our Partnerships

Echo Mentoring operates in partnership with the Jacksonville Independent School District (JISD), with the support of district leadership and the Nichols Intermediate campus team. We have watched God bring into alignment a diverse and qualified team with the experience and background needed to execute this program well.

Church Partnership

We invite local churches and their members to partner with Echo Mentoring by serving as mentors, praying for students and families, and giving financially to support the mission. Together, we can be the hands and feet of Christ by investing in the next generation and helping students feel seen, supported, and loved.

Watercolor illustration of a brick church with a white steeple
Board Leadership

The team behind the mission.

Our board represents a wide range of backgrounds — including education, ministry, business, and community leadership — providing both practical insight and strong oversight.

The Echo Mentoring board of directors standing together in front of a brick wall
The Echo Mentoring board (left to right): Jeremy Harmel, Loretta Doty, Amy Garcia, Melissa Wagner, Coby Duren, Roland Tureaud. Not pictured: Rudy Jaramillo.
Coby Duren
Coby Duren — Board PresidentAssociate Pastor, Central Baptist Church
Roland Tureaud
Roland Tureaud — Vice PresidentSenior Pastor, Sweet Union Baptist Church
Loretta Doty
Loretta Doty — SecretaryChildren's Pastor, Kingdom Christian Center
Amy Garcia
Amy Garcia — TreasurerOwner, Faithfully Fit & community leader
Melissa Wagner
Melissa Wagner — Executive DirectorFormer staff at Father's Love
Jeremy Harmel
Jeremy HarmelState Farm Agent, community leader & FCA Huddle Leader
RJ
Rudy JaramilloPrincipal at Compass & Head Soccer Coach, JISD High School

Want to be part of the story?

Mentor a student, apply for your child, or partner with us as a church or business.