Consider what young people are facing today — an uncertain world, racial unrest, social isolation, fear, and the challenges of everyday life. Kids need our support now more than ever. A mentor is another caring adult in a child’s life to provide friendship, support, and encouragement.
“If a child is to keep alive their inborn sense of wonder, they need the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with them the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” Rachel Carson
Mentoring Changes Lives
You can be that caring companion who supports the potential that lives in every child. By simply being present, listening to their stories, supporting them through challenges, and encouraging their dreams you help them find joy. Every young person deserves that companion. Community-based mentoring matches spend time together in the community doing activities you both enjoy — riding bikes, doing arts and crafts, playing board games, or simply hanging out. Each match develops and cultivates a unique relationship that empowers mentees to navigate life’s challenges and celebrate personal successes. Youth enrolled in our school-based mentoring program receive the same life-changing benefits, but instead of meeting in the community, matches meet at school during the youth’s lunch period throughout the school year. Matches are supported by a school-site coordinator.
Explore our youth mentoring volunteer opportunities to find the right fit for your unique strengths and schedule.
Community-Based Mentor Requirements
Adult (mentor) are matched with a 6-14 year old youth (mentee) to provide support, encouragement, and friendship. Matches spend time together in the community doing activities they both enjoy on a schedule that works best for them. Click the link to learn more about community-based mentoring: https://youtu.be/QFJrhj1iJNQ
Volunteers must:
• Be 18+ years old
• Have access to a car with insurance
• Meet once a week for 2-3 hours
• Commit to a minimum of 9 months
• Pass background check
• Complete Mentor Training
• Maintain required monthly communication with staff
• Sharing in the cost of outings
School-Based Mentor Requirements
This opportunity pairs adults (mentor) with 5-16 year old students (mentee) for lunch or other school activities once a week. For students, you are an adult who will listen without judging and take a genuine interest in their lives. A limited number of Pen Pal Mentors who exchange letters monthly throughout the academic year are also available.
Volunteers must:
• Be 18+ years old
• Meet once a week for 1 hour (lunch at school)
• Commit to meeting throughout the academic year
• Pass background check
• Complete Mentor Training
• Maintain required monthly communication with staff
Pen Pal Mentor Requirements
This opportunity pairs adults (pen pal mentor) with 5-16 year old students (mentee) for a pen pal letter writing exchange that happens once a month. For students, you are an adult who is willing to listen without judging, speak with encouraging words, and take a genuine interest in their lives.
Volunteers must:
• Be 18+ years old
• Commit to writing a minimum of 1 letter per month throughout the academic year.
• Pass background check
• Communicate with program staff as needed
For questions about Community-Based Mentoring contact:
Allison Braswell at [email protected]
507-386-2705
For questions about School-Based or Pen Pal Mentoring contact:
Chriss Page at [email protected]
507-386-2704
Mentor FAQ
