Building Values, Measuring Impact, and Creating a Flourishing Culture: Kevin East and Mentoring Alliance

What does it take to create a flourishing culture where mission-driven values translate into measurable outcomes and lasting impact? For Christian-led organizations, this question is not just about operational efficiency—it’s about aligning every action with a higher calling. Kevin East, CEO of Mentoring Alliance, has spent over a decade answering this challenge, cultivating a values-driven culture that transforms lives while ensuring accountability and growth.

In a recent episode of the Flourishing Culture Leadership Podcast, Kevin shared insights from his journey at Mentoring Alliance. From redefining core values to fostering a thriving culture and measuring transformational outcomes, Kevin’s leadership offers powerful lessons for those seeking to lead with purpose and impact. This blog explores his vision, the mission of Mentoring Alliance, and how their approach to values and culture fuels their growing success.

Kevin East and the Mentoring Alliance: A Mission of Hope and Transformation

Kevin East has led the Mentoring Alliance for over a decade, expanding its reach and impact across Texas. Under Kevin’s leadership, Mentoring Alliance has experienced significant growth since, with its headquarters in Tyler, Texas, serving as the foundation for this expansion. Over the past decade, the organization has grown from one to three cities and from a team of 17 employees in 2017 to 61 employees in 2025, reflecting the increasing scope and scale of its mission.

The organization’s succinct mission is to “mobilize godly people into the lives of kids and families to provide tangible help and eternal hope.” Through after-school programs, summer camps, and mentoring partnerships with public schools and churches, Mentoring Alliance addresses the multifaceted needs of children and their families.

Kevin shared the powerful story of a volunteer mentor, Steve, whose decade-long mentorship of a young man named Matthew exemplifies the organization’s mission in action. Under Steve’s guidance, Matthew not only graduated high school but also experienced a transformation of heart and hope for his future.

The Importance of Values: A Foundation for Growth and Impact

At Mentoring Alliance, core values are more than statements—they are the foundation of every interaction and decision. The organization recently refined its core values to focus on four principles:

1. Love One Another – Encouraging staff to foster genuine relationships and avoid toxic behaviors like gossip.
2. Serve Humbly – Prioritizing others, giving credit where it’s due, and maintaining a servant-hearted mindset.
3. Get After It – Fostering diligence and a proactive work ethic.
4. Do Excellent Work – Striving for quality and intentionality in every effort.

These values were developed through a collaborative process involving multi-level task forces, which ensured they reflected the needs and ethos of the entire organization. Beyond creating these values, Mentoring Alliance integrates them deeply into its culture through awards, performance reviews, and regular dialogue.

Measuring Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes, and Impact

Kevin highlighted the significance of tying values to measurable goals. Mentoring Alliance tracks four levels of metrics to ensure their programs are effective:

• Inputs: Activities like recruiting mentors and engaging families.
• Outputs: Quantifiable results, such as the number of mentors or mentees involved.
• Outcomes: Broader changes, including improved academic performance and social-emotional learning for children in their programs.
• Impact: Long-term transformations, including faith milestones, strengthened families, and changed lives.

In 2023 alone, the organization shared the gospel over 17,000 times, with hundreds of children committing to Christ. Academic metrics also demonstrate the success of their programs, as children in Mentoring Alliance initiatives consistently outperform their peers.

Culture: The Heartbeat of Growth and Success

Kevin emphasizes that culture is integral to achieving these outcomes. A healthy workplace culture directly impacts the quality of Mentoring Alliance’s ministry. They rely on tools like Best Christian Workplaces (BCW) surveys and consulting to assess and enhance their culture annually. Key practices include:

• Scheduled One-on-Ones: Weekly check-ins between leaders and staff ensure alignment and foster personal and professional growth.
• Leadership Team Retreats: Quarterly gatherings provide opportunities for planning, prayer, and building relationships.
• Celebrating Wins: Recognizing staff who embody core values strengthens the culture and reinforces desired behaviors.

Kevin also stressed the importance of a healthy work environment, stating, “Without being healthy, it’s all for naught.” A flourishing culture, he believes, not only enriches staff but also enhances their ability to serve children and families.

Growth, Challenges, and a Vision for the Future

Under Kevin’s leadership, Mentoring Alliance has expanded into new communities, such as Waco and Abilene, with plans for continued growth. Each expansion brings challenges, but Kevin views mistakes as opportunities to learn and refine their approach. Partnering with local advisory councils, churches, and schools, they ensure their programs are community-driven and sustainable.

The organization’s focus on healthy culture and data-driven impact equips them to meet the rising needs of children facing loneliness, social media pressures, and family struggles. Through initiatives like the GenNext program, which teaches leadership and professionalism to college students, Mentoring Alliance is investing in the next generation of godly leaders.

A Legacy of Eternal Impact

Kevin’s closing remarks on the podcast capture the heart of Mentoring Alliance’s mission: “We know how long your kids will live for—all of eternity. So, we want to lead them, walk with them, and share Christ with them, with eternity in mind.”

Through its values-driven culture, data-driven practices, and Christ-centered mission, Mentoring Alliance is not just impacting lives—it is transforming communities for generations to come.

Want to learn more about Kevin East and Mentoring Alliance? Visit their website or tune in to the Flourishing Culture Leadership Podcast to hear the full episode.