Mentor Youth

Why mentor?

Why MentorEvery young person — from a first-grade student to a graduating high-school senior — wants to know they’re seen and known. And the power of a caring adult’s investment can do just that: remind them they’re important.

But one in three young people grow up without a mentor. One in three young people navigate the rigors of school, friend groups, social pressures, and life’s anxieties struggling to know whether they’re important or valued.

And they are valued. Every single one of them. 

That’s why we mentor. Mentors close the gap between the next generation believing they’re not important and knowing they are important. Mentors help youth cross the chasm from isolation to belonging. 

One caring mentor can change everything in a young person’s life.

Who's A MentorWho’s a mentor?

A mentor is a caring adult who invests in the life of a young person. That means anyone can be a mentor: a business professional, a retiree, a plumber, a college student, a nurse. No matter whom you are, if you have a heart to see today’s youth succeed, you’re one step closer to being a mentor.

Where and how do we mentor?

We go to where the youth are: at their schools, in their communities, and online. We come alongside area schools to match mentors with mentees, taking the pressure off of teachers’ shoulders to care for some of the emotional and relational needs youth have through weekly one-hour get togethers. 

Online Students

And we meet with students online. Through safe online programming, we match mentors with mentees to grow their social networks, discuss and plan life goals, and to improve their self-esteem.

You can transform the life and trajectory of a young person in your community. How? Become a mentor with MVLF.

Apply to become a mentor

Building Hope with LEGOS with Isaiah and Charlene

Throughout the school year, Charlene, an MVLF mentor, had heard all about Isaiah’s plastic-brick creations. But it wasn’t until this summer that he finally got to show her some of his famous LEGO masterpieces on a Zoom call during an E-mentoring meeting. 

MVLF developed E-mentoring to help mentor-mentee matches stay connected in light of social-distancing requirements. Because of E-mentoring, Charlene and Isaiah have continued to meet together this summer. Charlene has stayed in touch with Isaiah and built on what she has learned the past year and a half as his mentor—including hearing more about his LEGO creations.

Mentoring with MVLF has given Charlene the confidence that simply by showing up and being herself, she is capable of investing in the next generation.

“I don't have to be something I am not,” she says. “The most important thing is to be consistent. I don't do cartwheels or juggle, but I am 100% present for one hour a week. I listen. I am interested when he shows me something he made or something he is excited about.”

We’re thankful for Charlene and all the other mentors participating in E-mentoring.

Testimonials

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