We're looking for a few good mentors...

We're looking for a few... well actually a whole lot of new mentors for our new programs starting up. Please help us spread the word. As Tony mentioned in his blog, "if you reduce your time in front of the TV by 5%, you can use that time to mentor a young person in one of Youth Mentoring Connection's programs"

Couldn't have said it better, Tony! Please help us spread the word. The pitch is below.

Domo Arigato!

-monk

Be a Mentor for At-Risk Youth

Youth Mentoring Connection has a 10-year history of delivering worksite- and community-based mentoring programs serving "at-risk" teens throughout Los Angeles. Our mentoring programs are relationship-based - through developing a trusting relationship with a caring, consistent adult, our youth are able to develop more trust and esteem in themselves.

We provide the necessary structure and support to help mentoring matches succeed. Mentors and mentees meet twice a month, for nine months, on a set calendar. One meeting each month is a "Group" session, where all 30 mentor-mentee pairs meet together for facilitated group activities to build trust, community, relationship skills, and life skills. The other session each month is a "One-on-One," where mentors and mentees go off to do activities of their own choosing (dinner, movie, ball game, etc.) We are currently seeking mentors for two programs that meet on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30pm. Our Adams Program is scheduled to begin October 1^st, meets near USC and focuses on middle school youth. The Children’s Hospital Program will begin November 5^th and takes place in North East Los Angeles in Cypress Park with youth ages 10-15.

Staff provide extensive training and support to mentors - our goal is to be there for you so you can be there for our youth! No special skills are required, just the desire to help a young person reach his or her full potential. Mentors should be age 21 or over, and own or have regular access to a vehicle. We ask that mentors be able to keep their commitment to their mentee through attending the scheduled group and one-on-one sessions, and making one phone or email contact in the off weeks. We ask mentors to show up, role model participation, be genuine, and be themselves. We conduct an interview, background check, and mentor training to ensure the safety of our youth, and to prepare mentors for what to expect. From there - the rest of the magic happens on its own through the mentoring process!

Interested? Please email Monk Turner, Program Coordinator, at monk@youthmentoring.org, or call us at 323-731-8080 x105 if you have any questions. If you're ready to go, you can simply apply online. We look forward to hearing from you!