Jamaica say you will...mentor!

Delegation from Jamaica visits YMC to learn about our unique approach!

The International Visitors Council of Los Angeles International Visitor Leadership Program of professional and cultural exchanges contacted us about a select group of educators from Jamaica who wanted to visit to learn about our approach to mentoring and youth transformation.

When we asked why they chose Youth Mentoring Connection, they replied that people at the State Dept. told them about our most innovative approach.  They were impressed with our soulful processes and results: graduation rates, success reducing gang involvement, mentor support and mentor testimonials about how the experience changed their life as well as their mentee. 

So that makes two groups from China, one from Peru, several from around the US and now Jamaica that have studied our methodology!

Slang Pictionary at CHLA Hollywood

What better way to spend an afternoon than hanging out with our CHLA Hollywood family? Starting matches off with a generational exchange activity where both mentor and mentee share their own middle school experiences, gave each individual some insight as to how similar but different each experience can be... Later, matches were grouped together to form three teams for the ultimate challenge, "Slang Pictionary." Phrases like "Bieber Fever" and "Flower Child" were nothing less that comical relief for the entire group when having to illustrate them.

Mentee Information & Training Session

Walking into a room full of students after-school on a Friday is something I definitely didn't expect... Seeing smiles on those faces inside the room seemed to be preposterous! Thanks to our wonderful liaison Mr. Dean, we were able to host a Mentee Training and Information Session last week at Los Angeles Trade Technical College with students from the Early College Academy!

UOFA Screening on Aug. 24th, 2013

This screening was another opportunity for our mentees, mentors and supportive community to enjoy the films our youth had made this year at the Urban Oasis Film Academy. Those who attended had an opportunity to watch the films and get to know the stories behind the filmmakers and their different motivations to make these films. The audience also heard how the film-making process positively impacted their lives! Enjoy!

Truth or Dare, The CHLA Hollywod Way

Who knew "Truth or Dare" could be so fun? Last week at our Children Hospital Los Angeles Hollywood mentoring session, mentees and mentors filled the room with joy and randomness. Nonstop laughter and an occasional "I dare you" echoed the space for hours and I must admit, it was quite therapeutic!

CHLA Hollywood - "Meet & Greet"

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Get your own

This past week, we launched our CHLA Hollywood summer mentoring program... and it was a blast! Middle schoolers primarily from LeConte Middle School received an opportunity to get their "bowl on" and meet some cool adults at the same time. We call this our "Meet & Greet" session. "It's always exciting to observe mentees and mentors meet for the first time." Please be sure to stay tuned monthly as we share more updates regarding this program throughout the summer!

WB Closure session

After 11 years of partnering with Warner Bros., this past Tuesday we closed out another year of mentoring. Although we are anticipating to start again in the Fall, there is no way to describe how great these past eight months were. Some of our mentees will be going off to college, some will return to the program, and some will venture off to join the workforce. Regardless, of what path these mentees take, they will always have a friend to count on .... their MENTOR! We will like to thank WB and the wonderful mentors who make this all possible... see you in September!

HBO's YEAR END CLOSURE

After nine months of a cycle of emotions where mentors and mentees were able to come together, write poetry, plan ahead for each others futures, and of course have tons of fun, it's sad to say that it all has to come to an end... Fortunately with the help of the dedicated staff at Youth Mentoring Connection and the wonderful folks at HBO, last Thursday our mentees and mentors were able to experience healthy closure where they both had a chance to share any last expressions and plan those next steps in life! We'd also like to take this chance to recognize one of our greatest champions, Ms. Cristi Catlin. Over the last sixteen years your love and support has allowed us to server hundreds of youth and change thousands of lives, THANK YOU!!!