Get Involved
Donate
Even the smallest of donations helps keep our programs sustainable and broadens the reach of our services. Thank you to all of you whose generosity has helped to change so many lives. Especially during these troubled times that are impacting our underserved communities disproportionately, your gift means so much.
What Is A Mentor?
A mentor is a trusted adult friend with a long-term, consistent commitment to provide guidance and support to a youth. Formal Mentoring Programs are focused on supporting the relationship between mentor and youth (mentee) and developing the character and capabilities of the young person.
At the most basic level, a mentor is there to help the young person understand that they are valued by their community and were born with their own unique gifts and purpose. At the deepest level, mentors stand by and guide young people when they suffer the challenges and initiations in their development.
Anyone can be a mentor
Our staff provides extensive training and support to mentors. Our goal is to be there for you so you can be there for our youth! There are no special skills are required, just the desire to help a young person reach his or her full potential. Mentors should be age 23 or over and should own or have regular access to a vehicle. We ask that mentors keep their commitment by attending the scheduled group and 1-on-1 sessions, and making contact with their mentee in off-weeks. We ask mentors to show up, participate as role models, be genuine, and be themselves. We conduct an interview, background check, and training to ensure the safety of our youth, and to prepare mentors for what to expect. The rest of the magic happens on its own through the mentoring process!
Mentees
Studies show that students who participate in mentoring programs tend to have better attendance records, better grades, and better attitudes about school. They tend to be less likely to engage in the use of drugs and alcohol, and more likely to handle conflict better. Students also report a better understanding of the responsibilities of the workplace, stronger communication skills, and more confidence in their ability to deal with the outside world.
Youth Mentoring Connection, Inc. does not discriminate in providing services against any person on the basis of ancestry, age, color, disability (physical and mental, includes HIV and AIDS), genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition (genetic characteristics, cancer or a record or history of cancer), military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion (includes religious dress and grooming), sex/gender (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, or request for FMLA. If you feel like you have been denied access to YMC services, discriminated against, or treated unfairly based on any of these factors, please notify Tony LoRe at 323-648-8548 or email at tony@youthmentoring.org
Volunteer
The willingness to give of your time to help us heal our youth is a true gift. Here are some other volunteer opportunities outside of mentoring that are currently available:
- Event assistance
- Fundraising
- Mentor recruitment
- In-kind services
- Surf instructor
Tony Talks
Take a look at the archive of YMC videos including the “Tony Talks” series that our Founder & CEO, Tony LoRe, created offering thoughts and guidance about effective mentoring, interpersonal relationships, and simply navigating the complexities of our world.
Questions?
Contact Us
YMC staff are available to answer your questions about the programs we offer, how to become a mentor, or anything else in service to the youth of Los Angeles.Call Us
323-648-8548
Email Us
