Youth Villages Mentor Program

Mission Statement

Mentors make a powerful difference in the lives of our state's most vulnerable children. Studies show that children who have just one consistent, caring adult in their lives are less likely to drop out of school, have fewer run-ins with the law and build better relationships with their own families. The goal of mentoring is to provide young people with a positive adult influence - someone who will help them get over the hard times, someone who will assist them in making the right decisions, someone who will stick with them through the difficult teenage years, someone who will just be a friend. By giving a little time and attention to a struggling child, you have the power to change a life forever.

To be a mentor, you must:
* Be 21 years of age or older
* Pass a mandatory screening that includes a
background and fingerprint check, as well as
verification of references
* Commit to spending four to six hours per month
one-on-one with a young person
* Attend an initial training session
* Be a willing listener
* Be encouraging and supportive
* Be patient and flexible
* Be tolerant and respectful of individual differences