Lewis County Youth Mentorship Program

Mentoring – a consistent, caring, and empowering relationship with a positive adult - can help support and encourage the positive growth of a youth.

Mentoring has been shown to improve self-esteem, self-confidence, academic achievement, higher college enrollment, relationships with family, and to build resiliency. It has also been shown to reduce skipping school, effects of trauma, likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use, depression, and criminal activity.

The goal of the Lewis County Youth Mentor Program is to match a youth (12-17 years of age) with an adult Mentor who will spend time each week supporting and encouraging the youth. Activities, outings and equipment will be provided to encourage meetings.

Youth who do not yet have a Mentor will be invited to activities such as craft night and game night as well as outings such as hikes, bike rides, kayaking, fishing, clam digging, snow shoeing, zoo, Rainiers baseball game, ice skating, LeMay Car Museum, Pacific Science Center, beach trip, Seahawks Training camp, zoo, corn maze, Skyzone, YMCA climbing tower and others. Positive volunteer adults will join these group outings to be mentors for the day, encouraging and supporting the youth.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to inspire youth through meaningful relationships to make positive choices that will build resiliency, encourage growth, and enable them to pursue a successful future.

Values

Relationship - It is through purposeful relationships that youth are supported, challenged and empowered.

Trust - The mentor/mentee relationship is built on mutual trust which in turn encourages participants to put trust in others. Support – I’m here for you.

Resiliency - Youth need skills to build strength and stamina to handle what they have experienced and what will yet come their way. Create a growth mindset.

Inspiration - Mentors/Mentee’s will focus on personal growth, increased resiliency and development through positive relationships. Encouragement – You got this!

Growth - Mentored youth will develop healthier lifestyles and positive relationships. Youth that receive mentoring as are more likely to attend school, have better grades and less delinquent behaviors. What are areas of growth for you? How can I help you pursue your interests?

Empower - Here is what you can do.