Participation in Y Programs

Being a part of a supportive, caring community is essential to good health and well-being. That’s why we’re doubling down on Y membership as the unifying hub of Y community life. 

Beginning January 1, 2023, all enrolled families in the Y Mentoring program (including the volunteer mentor and their family) will automatically receive a Y family membership with their enrollment. The membership continues at no additional cost throughout the duration of your program participation.

 

 

Mentoring is a purposeful, effective and rewarding way to have a direct and lasting impact on a child’s life. Youth referred to Y mentoring programs have been identified by parents/guardians, school counselors and other adults as needing the steady, predictable presence of a caring responsible adult in their lives. 

With more than 800 youth on our waiting list, our need for mentors, especially men, is great. Join the Y as we partner with youth, volunteers, families, and the community to make a difference. There are many ways to participate as a volunteer mentor at the Y. 
 

Ongoing Support through Every Step

Volunteers undergo an extensive screening process to help create safe, meaningful, and lasting relationships. Acceptance and enrollment time varies in length based on your matchability and the outcome of your screening. The screening process includes: 

  • Completing an online inquiry and application
  • Completing pre-volunteer online training 
  • Completing a virtual interview
  • Clearing a national background check

If accepted to be matched, trained associates provide you with ongoing support for the duration of your mentoring relationship.


Virtual Matching

While working remotely to observe safe social distance, our team continues to provide the support and resources necessary to keep our youth connected during these difficult times. Zoom, GoogleMeets, and Teams are just some of the tools we use to conduct virtual interviews, so we can match youth with mentors.


Mentoring Programs

Our mentoring programs include mentoring in the community, therapeutic mentoring, college/career readiness mentoring, and workplace mentorship through your employer.

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Y: One-to-one supportive mentoring in the community (in person or virtual).

    A one-to-one professionally supported mentoring program for youth ages 14-17 designed to provide consistent, caring positive role modeling and supportive guidance. Mentoring takes place based on the individual mentor/mentee desired schedule in a Y or around the community. Mentor/mentee matches meet regularly to engage in healthy positive activities (such as sports, board games, arts & crafts) which lead to trusting, long-term relationships which help build confidence and self-esteem. Currently, we are only matching high school students at Y Community Schools. 

    Time Commitment: Engagement 2-3 times per month for at least one year.
     
  • Reach & Rise: One-to-one and group therapeutic mentoring (in person).

    A professionally supported mentoring program for youth ages 7-17. Mentors work closely with a case worker to assist with addressing clearly identified needs and objectives. Matches meet 1-3 hours a week in the community or at a Y Family Center to participate in Y activities.

    Time Commitment: Weekly engagement for one year.

GET STARTED AS A MENTEE (child)   |   GET STARTED AS A MENTOR

 

Employee-Sponsored Mentoring

Meaningful volunteer experiences engage employees to feel rewarded, proud, and positive. Big Brothers Big Sisters at the Y (BBBSY) offers rewarding opportunities for employees to volunteer as mentors. All activities are supported by a BBBSY Site Specialist and can be customized. 

  • Beyond School Walls: Corporate partners host elementary or middle school students twice a month at their place of work, for 90 minutes each visit. Students gain a mentor and an early introduction to the workplace environment. A BBBSY Site Specialist is present.
     
  • Bigs in School: Mentors from corporate partners travel to a nearby elementary/middle school or community center to spend an hour every other week with their mentee, participating in interactive and enriching activities over lunch. If preferred, this can also be done virtually. 
     
  • NextGen: NextGen mentoring provides evidence-based high school mentoring focused on college and career readiness. This program matches mentors from corporate partners or from the general community with high school students and is intended to keep students on track for graduation and success. Mentors and mentees meet for 2 hours monthly at a nearby Community School or Y Family Center, the high school, at which a BBBSY Site Specialist is present.

For more information on how your company can participate in employee-sponsored mentoring, please complete this Work Sponsored Mentoring Inquiry form.