The Reach & Rise Mentoring Program is a national YMCA program that is committed to youth development by nurturing the potential of kids and teens to help them achieve and reach their full potential. We are currently recruiting volunteer mentors to youth. 

The program is designed for youth ages 6 to 17 who would benefit from a positive relationship with a supportive, caring adult. Research shows that youth are FIVE times more likely to graduate and 50% less likely to use drugs if they have a meaningful relationship with an adult. The Reach & Rise Mentoring Program connects these children with adult mentors for 12-18 months. As part of program implementation, the Y will recruit and train adult volunteer mentors to provide direct one-to-one mentoring services and create safe, healthy and meaningful relationships with youth. Mentors and mentees will participate in service projects, field trips and other engaging activities. 

Mentors are volunteers ages 23+, with varied cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds, who wish to make a positive impact on the self-esteem of young people in Garland County. Mentors commit to spending 1-3 hours per week with their mentee for one full year. The Y is committed to ensuring a safe and caring environment for its youth and will conduct face-to-face screenings, a fingerprint background check as well as provide 15+ hours of paraprofessional counseling training over 4-5 weeks before matching a mentor.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Elan McAfee.