Y Mentors matches youth in Olmsted County from all different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including Caucasian, African American, Somali, Cambodian, Hispanic, Laotian, and Bosnian.
Currently, there are over 50 youth still on the waiting list for a mentor. Some youth have been waiting as long as two years to have a mentor. The majority of the youth on our waiting list are middle school aged, however we match all school-aged kids (K-12th). Youth involved in Y Mentors are required to attend school. All of the youth in our program also must also have a personal or family need, and want a mentor. Youth are generally referred to Y Mentors by school counselors, teachers, social workers and parents. Matches are made based on interests.
Here are some details about a few of the youth that are presently on our waiting list:
A.S. - I am an easy-going 14 year old boy and just started my first year in high school. I live with my mom and three siblings, currently I do not have contact with my dad. I would like a mentor to help me with some school work and to help me with some school work and to help me develop coping skills. I am interested in athletics, baseball, football, hockey, weight lifting, and watching sports. I would like to have a mentor who is smart, athletic, and trustworthy, like me!
B.L. - I am a 10 year old girl wiht a nice personality. I live with my mom, brother, and sister; my dad is currently in prison. I spend a lot of time with my mom and I think it would be fun to have someone else to connect with, like a big sister. My mentor could help me be more confident with myself and my abilities. If you like to swim I would be the perfect match for you, I love swimming. I also like cooking, baking, arts & crafts, soccer, biking, and going to the movies. I had a mentor in the past and would like to be matched again!
M.M.- I am a fun 7 year old boy. I live with my sister, brother, mom, and grandparents. I don't have any contact with my dad. I am in 2nd grade and my favorite subjects are art, science, and music. When I grow up I want to be an air force pilot or a tank driver. I think it would be fun to hang out with a mentor and go to sporting events like football and baseball games. My older brother has a mentor and I see them having a lot of fun together, and I would like to have fun too!
N.E.- I am a shy 9 year old girl who likes to do fun activities. I live with my mom and my siblings, my dad lives in another country, so I don't get to see him too often. If you were my mentor we could do outdoor activities togehter and maybe bake cookies or paint pictures. If you could help me with some of my homework that would be great, because I think that school is hard. I had a mentor in the past and would like another one, one that would stick with me through the good times and the hard times.
L.K.- I am an energetic 7 year old boy and just started 2nd grade. I live with my mom, grandma, aunt, cousins, and three brothers. I don't see my dad. I would like to do anything with my mentor. I just want to get out of the house and have fun. I could use some extra help with my numbers and reading. I need someone to show me the importance of doing well in school. My two older brothers have mentors and I would like one too. Also, I have a brother who is in first grade, he would like a mentor too.
M.H.- I am a friendly 14 year old girl and just started 9th grade. I live with my two brothers and my mom, my dad recently moved out of our house. My mom will soon have another baby. If I had a mentor we could go to the Y together, cook together, or try new activities together. Also, I would like to do better in school ths year and think a mentor could help me with that. When I grow up I would like to be a nurse, good think I like my science classes!