One to One Mentoring


Reach & Rise® is a national one-to-one mentoring program determined to move youth from risk to resiliency. The program helps build a better future for youth by matching them with an adult mentor for one year. Free of cost to families, trained mentors work to understand cultural and social development, mental health issues, risk factors and offer ways to communicate and relate to youth.

 

Mentoring Model: Reach & Rise®

Reach & Rise® is a one-to-one therapeutic mentoring program that pairs youth with trained adult mentors, supported by family engagement and case management.
  • Who We Serve: Youth ages 6–17
  • How It Works: Each youth is matched with one volunteer mentor. Matches meet in the community for 1–3 hours per week for at least one year.
  • Positive Impact: With the guidance of a mentor, youth can experience growth in:
    • Personal Development: reduced depression, increased confidence, stronger sense of self-worth
    • Academic Success: improved grades, classroom readiness, positive behavior
    • Social Connections: stronger peer/adult relationships, higher personal expectations, recognition as responsible and dependable

Interested in Referring a Youth?

Youth (ages 6–17) may be referred to Reach & Rise® by:
  • School staff (counselors, teachers, principals)
  • Community organizations (social services, counseling agencies, YMCA programs)
  • Friends, family, or self-referral
Every referral goes through an application process that includes an initial phone call or face-to-face meeting with the Program Coordinator to ensure the program is a good fit.
 

Interested in Becoming a Mentor?

Adults age 21 and older are invited to apply to be mentors. The process includes:
  • Submitting an application and completing an initial screening with the Program Coordinator
  • Committing to meet with a youth for 1–3 hours weekly for one year
  • Completing 15 hours of paraprofessional counseling training (typically over 4–5 weeks)
  • Passing a background check and providing references

Mentors receive full training and support before being matched, ensuring they are well-prepared to make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

REFER A MENTEE

 

BECOME A MENTOR

Contact Us:

Devin Washington
Office: (973)-624-8900 ext.6881
Email: dwashington@newarkymca.org