Baltimore City
Reach & Rise is a national mentoring program that matches adult volunteer mentors (ages 21+) with a young person, age 6-17, for mentoring commitment. Youth who have a positive relationship with an adult are five times more likely to graduate! We have two Reach and Rise mentoring programs: 1. One-to-One - we pair adults and mentees for an entire year. 2. Small Group - we pair two adults with a group of six mentees for a 12-16 weeks mentoring session during the fall or spring, or 8 weeks over the summer. Mentors must • Be at least 21 years old • Complete the extensive program specific training • Pass background check • Fingerprinting (for in-person matches) • Regular check-in's with program director • Check-in's with assigned mentee and parent
Mentors meet once a week with youth to model a positive adult-child relationship, and sign up with a commitment of at least one year. Mentors make a difference to kids and teen's lives by being a positive influence; youth build a better future by developing tools to improve family relationships, self-esteem, peer relationships, school performance, decision-making, and problem solving. Mentors and mentee's are intentionally matched, and together they share diverse experiences, develop a stronger sense of belonging within their communities, and create lasting memories! Training: Mentors receive comprehensive training to prepare them to create safe, healthy and meaningful relationships with youth, to utilize healthy communication skills, and to engage in enriching activities in the community. Youth are referred from schools, counselors, parents, Y programs, and community agencies. Program Directors provide ongoing mentor support, family support, and case management.
For One to One Mentoring: Keyona Wright, Program Director, Reach and Rise Mentoring Program Email: keyonawright@ymaryland.org