110 Boston Street / Salem, MA 01970 / Phone: 978.744.7905 / Fax: 978.740.9145

Youth Mentoring Program

A mentor is an adult who volunteers 6-8 hours monthly, to become a friend, a guide and a support to a youth who is "at-risk". Mentors receive intensive training and ongoing support from Children's Friend professional staff. Each volunteer mentor is carefully matched with a youth whose interests are similar.

Their job is to have fun together. They may have a catch, or go to a movie, or the library, or do homework, or draw. We have almost 100 youth, boys and girls from 9-15, in Lynn and Salem and Gloucester and Haverhill, waiting for an adult who will take special interest in their development.

Being a mentor is challenging and enormously rewarding. It is a chance to make a real, long-term difference in the life of a young person.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Youth Mentoring Program

What is a mentor?
A mentor is a caring, trained adult, who volunteers his/her time to provide friendship and support for a child or adolescent. Mentors are friends and role models, who demonstrate good social behavior, and interest in a youths school performance and social relationships.

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How does mentoring help?
Research demonstrates that when youth have a mentor:

  • They are 46%less likely to use illegal drugs
  • They are 52% less likely to skip a day of school
  • They get better grades

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What does a mentor actually do?
A mentor is matched with a youngster, called a mentee, who has similar interests. The mentor makes a one-year commitment, of about 2 hours/week. Mentors and mentees plan their own activities in the community; they may take a walk, go to a movie, do homework, have a catch, or just talk.

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How are mentors and mentees chosen?
Mentors are carefully screened, trained and receive regular ongoing supervision and support from Children's Friend professional staff. Mentees are referred by parents, educators, and others. They are youth who are at risk of not reaching their full potential. Youth and families participate fully in an initial interview process. Children's Friend staff stays in regular ongoing contact with family and youth.

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How do I learn more about becoming a mentor?
You can learn more by attending a two-hour orientation/training in your community. If your interest continues, you can fill out an application, and proceed with an interview process. Orientation sessions are held every six weeks.

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Children's Friend in action.