Mentoring Local Youth
Building Futures is a school-based mentoring program that matches local students with caring, supportive, and stable mentors. Mentors and their “Buddies” meet for one hour per week on school grounds, where they play games, read, make crafts, tell stories, and more!
These students are referred to the Y by their teachers, and occasionally by their parents, as children who would benefit from having some one-on-one time with a caring adult role model. Although some of these students struggle academically, this is not an academic mentoring program—it is our mission that with strong positive influences in their lives, these students will build self-confidence, trust and skills to be more prepared to succeed in the future.
Become a Mentor
You can positively influence lives in your own community with the Y!
Volunteers help nurture youth, improve health and well-being, and enhance social emotional learning. We value your time and enthusiasm, and look forward to creating a fun, fulfilling volunteer experience for you. Volunteers are high school students (16+ years old), caring adults, and/or retirees who want to make a positive impact in a child’s life.
One-On One Mentoring
Mentors work with youth participants in a one-on-one setting at the mentee's school. The youth participant is a student who is referred by teachers or a school counselor and enrolled by parents/guardians into the "Free for Families" Building Futures Program. The “mentor matches” meet weekly for an hour at school and time is often spent playing games, writing stories, creating art, or figuring out an activity that both match participants can enjoy together at the school.
As a school based mentoring program, active Building Futures matches meet during the school year for one hour a week. Training and guidance is built in prior to matching and support is offered throughout the term of the match agreement. First meetings are always facilitated by the program coordinator.
Please consider becoming a volunteer 1-on-1 mentor!
Group Mentoring
Group Mentors work with youth participants in a group setting on school premises. In 2025, serving the 8th grade at Chimacum Jr. High, mentors will work with groups of 12 students per group, with a goal of one mentor per student.
Group Mentors will start March 4, meeting weekly until June 10. Meetings will be from 10:30 to 11:05 am (minus April 15 during spring break).
Group Mentors follow a curriculum developed to help build connections and self-awareness, team-building, skill building and skill sharing. During each session, participants will engage in activities that foster communication, teamwork and trust-building.
Volunteer applications are submitted online. Once accepted, volunteers receive in person training sessions. All Group Mentor sessions with students will be guided by YMCA staff and support is provided throughout the sessions.
Please consider joining us as a group mentor!
To volunteer, or to see if this program might be a good match for you, follow the directions below. Applying does not commit you to participate.
How to Apply
Email your interest to Dana Nixon, Building Futures Coordinator, dana@olympicpeninsulaymca.org.
Once you speak to Dana and determine if this opportunity is right for you, she will navigate you to the Volunteer Matters Application process, or you can find it on our Volunteer webpage.
Interview
Once your online Volunteer Matters application is complete, our Building Futures Coordinator will contact you to arrange an interview.
Train
Orientation training is scheduled throughout the year. Once you have completed your application and interview, you will be invited to attend a dynamic, fun, interactive training to help you on your mentoring journey.
Match
Once training is complete, our Coordinator will match you with a youth mentee (Buddy) based on interests, experiences, and needs.
Mentor!
When the time comes, our Coordinator will facilitate your first meeting. After that, you will schedule one-hour, monthly meetings at your buddy's school. Our Coordinator will continue to be available throughout the school year.
Mentorship for Youth
What makes a good Mentor?
- 16 years or older
- Retired or working
- Good Listeners
- Open to child-guided activities
- Committed
Youth with Mentors are:
- 52% less likely to skip school
- 30% less likely to hit someone
in frustration or anger - 46% less likely to start using drugs
One hour DOES make a difference!
- School attendance improves
- Encourages higher education
- Fosters positive behavior
- Builds self-esteem
- Increases trust
Thanks to the generous donations of your local community this program is at no cost to the mentor or the participant. If you would like to donate to Building Futures or a program just like this that impacts your community please click on the link below.
For more information please contact:
Dana Nixon
YMCA of Jefferson County
Building Futures Coordinator
Dana@olympicpeninsulaymca.org
360.385.5811 ex. 207