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.
As a mentor you will spend time with a participant, 6–17 years old, who may be an at-risk youth dealing with low self-esteem, social isolation, family problems, peer conflicts, poor academics, and/or poor decision-making skills.
The goal of the program is to help youth gain positive, consistent, and nurturing relationships with adults. To build self-esteem, decision-making skills, improve school performance and make healthy interpersonal relationships. Mentors gain personal satisfaction from making a difference in a youth’s life by devoting time and sharing your strengths.
When interviewing a mentor, we look for a dependable, consistent, and responsible adult who wants to share new interests and experiences with youth.
An ideal Reach & Rise mentor is a friend, counselor, role model, supporter, and guide. A mentor has to be someone who can listen, respect different points of view and empathize with a child’s struggles.
Mentor Requirements
- At least 21 years old
- Complete the 15+ hour training
- Pass a fingerprint security screening
- Have a clean DMV Record
- Provide a copy of valid auto liability insurance (if a car owner)
- Spend 1-3 hours a week with the mentee