Olympic Peninsula YMCA

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.

Adult woman mentoring a young woman

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. 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, we partner with Port Townsend, Chimacum, & Quilcene School Districts. Active Building Futures matches meet during the school year and annual renewal assessments at the start of each school year. Summer activities are an option for those interested and available. 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 mentor! Your preference within these locations: Chimacum Primary or Jr/Sr High School; Salish Coast Elementary; Blue Heron Middle School; or Quilcene Elementary or Middle School will be honored.

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.

DONATE

For more information please contact:
Dana Nixon
YMCA of Jefferson County
Building Futures Coordinator
Dana@olympicpeninsulaymca.org
360.385.5811 ex. 207