About Us
What is Mentor Duluth?
Since 1938, the YMCA's Friendship Between the Ages program has been matching children in our community (grades K-12) with adult mentors. In 1997 the Ordean Foundation of Duluth conducted a city wide needs assessment and determined that positive adult role models for our children was the number one need of youth. The YMCA was approached and asked to take its model and expand it to other youth serving agencies. Thus the development of a six agency collaboration between the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Neighborhood Youth Services, Valley Youth Center, the YWCA and the Copeland Community Center. Mentors serve as friends who agree to share their time and open their lives to a child in need of a caring friendship with a responsible adult.
In 2005, Mentor Duluth added Five Points, an in-school tutoring component, to the program. Five Points connects youth in grades 4-8 with volunteer tutors in several Duluth area schools.
Mentor Duluth has been and is supported by the Ordean Foundation, United Way, City of Duluth Community Development Block Grant, and the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Children We Serve
Children typically come to our program through the parent's initiative or are referred to us by individuals in the Human Services field. They are children who need more attention and support, who struggle in school and with peers, who lack confidence, self-esteem and opportunities to become involved in social, cultural and recreational activities. All are in need of another positive, caring adult in their life. The assessment process for parents and children is designed to help us identify the needs of the child and determine their motivation level for participating in the program.
Program Specialty Areas
The Mentor Duluth Program offers the following program specialty areas. They will be explained in more depth during your initial interview and/or screening interview.
- Academic Enrichment
- Mentors involved with this program area must be 21 years of age or older. Mentors will be making a commitment to help their youth with academics and school related issues. This may include schoolwork, going to the library, visiting a museum, taking tours of different universities/colleges, and being a strong support of their academic development. Academic learning can also be incorporated into all kinds of activities. If the mentor is interested in spending an hour per week with their mentee in the school setting, we can assist them in tutoring their mentee at his/her school in our Five Points Program.
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Mentors involved in this program area must be willing to help their mentee live a healthy life. Activities in this area cover a wide expanse that may include participating in sports activities and events, hiking, bike riding, camping, swimming, etc. Mentors must understand the basics of living a healthy lifestyle and be committed to the prevention of alcohol, drug and tobacco usage among youth.
- Friendship Program
- This program area is for those who want to mentor but are not interested in the specialty areas above. A minimum of a one-year commitment and the ability to develop a healthy and positive relationship with a child is required. Mentors in the Friendship program must be dedicated to the development of positive assets in youth.
Each new mentor is required to attend a mentor orientation within the first six months after being matched. Orientations will give a more complete overview of the mentoring relationship and how Mentor Duluth staff will provide support and encouragement to your mentor/mentee match.