ALS Youth Mentoring Initiative

Mission Statement

Our ALS Youth Mentoring Initiative brings the power of one-to-one mentoring to the lives of children who have a parent, guardian, or family member living with ALS. Within an evidence-based and outcomes-focused program model, the ALS Youth Mentoring Initiative builds on the best practices of community-based mentoring to bring an intentionally designed, high-quality, and professionally supporting one-to-one mentoring model to the lives of children impacted by ALS.

In this program, screened, trained, and professionally supported volunteer mentors works closely with parents and agency staff to provide their mentees with dedicated time and attention for at least a few hours a couple of times each month. During unstructured bi-weekly activities, filled with conversations and shared activities, mentors and mentees develop a relationship that helps youth manage the everyday challenges of growing up alongside ALS.

This program is designed for children aged 51/2 to 14 years old and volunteers aged 21+ living in Connecticut. The program is fully insured and provides on-going professional support and case management services throughout the life of the relationship so that each mentor/mentee match can grow into a lasting, fruitful, and lifelong friendship.