Are you interested in making a difference in the life of a teen? Do you want to be someone’s champion? Then join us and become a mentor today! For just a few hours each month, you can give a teen friendship, guidance and tremendous support – and truly make a difference.
What Does a Mentor Do?
Our mentors play a vital role in the success of our teens — many of whom have experienced trauma, have social and emotional difficulties, and various other challenges. As a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to be a positive role model and source of support beyond family members, social workers and teachers.
Twice a month, you’ll enjoy fun activities with your mentee like bowling or eating at a new restaurant. You’ll also help a teen build self-confidence by helping them to explore new educational, artistic and job-related experiences under the guidance of our Mentoring Program.
The Difference It Makes
“I’ve really struggled with my relationships with some adults,” explains Christian, a mentee from our Residential Treatment Center. “Being involved with the Mentoring Program gives you somebody who wants to talk and help you make better decisions. I’ve never really had that before.”
In fact, research shows that when teens have mentoring support from a caring adult for an extended period of time, they are more likely to succeed academically and to achieve their personal goals.
Teens tell us that their mentors motivate and inspire them to make good choices and move toward their goals. Mentors relate how much they value the connections they make and how their meeting with their mentee is the highlight of their week!
Want to Be a Mentor?
Our mentors are volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds — including college students, local business owners and corporate professionals. Using the well-known Interest Based Mentoring (IBM) survey, we’ll match you with a mentee with similar interests so you can begin building a relationship right away.
To learn more about the Leake & Watts Mentoring Program, contact Jack Toone, Mentoring Coordinator, at volunteer@leakeandwatts.org or 914.375.8794.