Mentoring Program

The goal of the mentoring program is simple: to develop positive one-on-one relationships between mentors and children.

At Volunteers for Youth, youth can participate in one of three different mentoring components: Community Mentoring or Group Mentoring.

Community Mentoring

Through community mentoring, children from eight to fourteen years of age are matched with responsible adult volunteers (18 years of age and older). Volunteers are screened and trained to serve as constructive role models and consistent friends. Volunteer mentors and children agree to spend at least two hours a week for twelve months together, engaging in activities of mutual interest such as hiking, cooking, or playing basketball.

Children from all over Orange County are referred to the community mentoring program by many different people for many different reasons. Juvenile court counselors, school staff, mental health professionals, and parents all may refer children who could benefit from the time and attention of a caring adult.

Get Involved

Refer a child for a community mentor

Fill out a referral form English / Spanish

Volunteer as a Community Mentor

Group Mentoring

Youth in local middle schools participate in weekly groups that meet at lunchtime and are led by VFY staff and volunteers. Participants bond with one another and their group leaders while gaining leadership experience, developing life skills, and addressing social justice issues. Potential group members are identified by parents and school officials as students who could particularly benefit and contribute in such a group.

Get Involved

To refer a child for group mentoring or for more information about Volunteers for Youth mentoring in general, please contact Nicole Hunter: nhunter@volunteersforyouth.org

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Help Volunteers for Youth build connections to help local youth achieve their potential!