Y Building Futures Mentoring Program

The Y is a charitable mission-driven organization dedicated to social responsibility and community building. Volunteers are critical to our mission and central to all we do. There are many ways a volunteer can get involved with the Y. One of our newest opportunities to get involved is through our mentoring program.

Now more than ever, youth are in desperate need of positive role models; someone to support them, guide them, and let them know they matter. If you understand the power one positive adult can have in the life of a young person, and if you have just two hours a week to spare, then you can be that someone. BE A MENTOR and help build the futures of Central Maryland's youth.

 

Our vision of "A Healthy Y for a Healthier Central Maryland".

Opportunities for community engagement.

Providing Y experiences for all.

Protecting youth during out-of-school hours.

The Y is Rethinking Mentoring!

Building Futures is a new Y program that matches adult
volunteers to young people who need the presence of
reliable, responsible and caring adults in their lives. The Y provides all the necessary tools and resources needed:

  • Comprehensive training
  • Hundreds of Y activities and events for you and your mentee to participate in
  • FREE one-year youth or adult membership to the Y while in the program

All activities take place within a family center Y or Y-staffed event or program. You can swim with your mentee, play cards at the Y, help your mentee with homework, do whatever productive, healthy activity meets your interests, and do it all in the safe and comfortable environment of your nearest family center Y or Y program site.

Mentors receive ongoing support and supervision from Y staff who are trained family therapists or social workers. The families of the mentees are also included in the mentoring process, so all parties are engaged and working towards a common goal.

Who Are Our Volunteers

If you fit the profile of an adult volunteer mentor, we ask that
you give Building Futures a try.

  • An adult who is ready to be a friend, counselor, role model, supporter, and guide
  • Dependable, consistent and responsible adult who wants to share new interests and experiences with a youth
  • An understanding adult who can listen and respect different points of view and empathize with a young person’s struggles
 

To be a Building Futures mentor is to give the greatest gift imaginable – your heart! What you get in return is priceless:

  • Personal satisfaction from making a difference in a young person’s life, devoting your time and sharing your strengths
  • Increased regard and respect for people from different cultures and backgrounds
  • A sense of belonging to your community
  • Lasting memories and a special bond that warms the heart
  • Free one-year adult membership to the Y while in the program

Who Are Our Youth

Youth in Building Futures have not been identified as being a
threat; they are merely young people who need the support,
guidance and interest of a caring adult. Building Futures mentees may include:

  • Diverse ethnic & socio-economic backgrounds
  • At-risk youth dealing with low self-esteem, social isolation, family problems, peer conflicts, poor academics, poor decision-making, etc.
  • Youth referred to Building Futures by family, friends, counselors, teachers, Y programs, family resource centers, mental health agencies, community agencies, etc.

The benefits a Building Futures mentee receives are also priceless:

  • Positive and consistent relationship with a caring adult
  • Increase in self-esteem, decision-making skills, school performance, and healthy interpersonal relationships
  • Experience of positive, pro-social and healthy activities at family center Y’s with an adult
  • Lasting memories and a special bond that warms the heart
  • Free one-year youth membership to the Y while in the program

What Are The Requirements

To be a volunteer mentor, all you need is two hours a week
and a caring heart. Other requirements include:

  • Age 23 or older
  • Pass a fingerprint security screening
  • Complete 21+ hours of comprehensive training to understand cultural/social development, mental health issues, risk factors, and to learn ways to engage in positive, fun activities at the Y and communicate/relate to youth
  • Meet with your mentee two hours a week for one year

Requirements to participate in Building Futures as a mentee include:

  • Youth ages 6 – 18
  • Resident of Baltimore City or Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, or Howard County
  • Family/guardians who are committed to Building Futures

How To Get Started

If you are interested in volunteering as an adult mentor
(or know a child you’d like to refer to Building Futures), please
contact any one of our Building Futures coordinators.

Carey Andrews: 443-303-7493, careyandrews@ymaryland.org

Rhea Butler: 410-615-6522, rheabutler@ymaryland.org

Candice Jacobs: candicejacobs@ymaryland.org

Colby Peters: 443-852-4021, colbypeters@ymaryland.org

Regional Director
Michelle Jefferon, MSW, LCSW-C
410-728-0945 x226
michellejefferson@ymaryland.org