January is National Mentoring Month. At the Y, our dedicated staff are professional role models to every child who enters our facility. This responsibility is part of our ongoing work to support the unique youth development journeys of all children and teens.
Together with support from adult members and the community, we help children achieve their full potential in life. Across the nation, YMCAs are nurturing this potential in nine million youth and teens each year. By helping all children gain a sense of accomplishment, build relationships and find their sense of belonging, Y staff are developing youth’s innate need to be loved, spiritually grounded, educated, competent and healthy. This holistic approach includes the support of positive adult role models.
Research indicates that mentors are a powerful influence in the lives of adolescent youth. Supportive relationships with non-parents tend to be especially important for youth living in low income environments that present opportunities for high-risk behavior. Mentor relationships help to strengthen families and communities, which is why there are currently more than 25,000 youth mentoring/role modeling programs active across the country.
Ask a Y staff member how you can get support youth development or click here for volunteer information.