National Reach & Rise®
Ages 6-17
Reach & Rise is a nationally recognized mentoring program, making a difference in the lives of youth and families across the country. Hosted in 11 states, Reach & Rise provides life-changing support to communities from coast to coast, empowering youth to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Reach & Rise provides therapeutic mentorship to youth (ages 6-17) who face challenges such as decline in mental health, low self-esteem, and family or peer conflict. Developed in 1992 by the YMCA of San Francisco, the program is now offered with the goal of helping every child reach their full potential and helping them build resilience to overcome obstacles.
Reach & Rise Mentoring Program is proudly funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), a federal agency committed to empowering youth and strengthening communities. This prestigious partnership underscores our dedication to providing impactful mentoring opportunities that foster resilience, growth, and success for young people nationwide.
Changing 2 Lives
Reach & Rise Model
Our Mission
At Reach & Rise, our mission is to empower at-risk youth by providing therapeutic mentorship that nurtures their potential, supports their mental well-being, and guides them through life’s challenges. By fostering high-quality mentoring relationships, we aim to prevent involvement in the juvenile justice system, mitigate trauma, and create pathways to success.
Therapeutic Mentoring
Our program blends evidence-based practices with a compassionate approach. Each youth is matched with a dedicated mentor. Mentors help reinforce positive coping skills, challenge negative thinking, and connect youth to school, job opportunities, and the broader community. Through shared experiences, mentors broaden the youth’s perspective and sense of what is possible.
High Quality Training
High quality training ensures mentors are equipped to make a meaningful impact, and ongoing support helps them succeed. Volunteers receive 15 hours of training before being matched with a mentee, and ongoing support. The training curriculum is derived from over 30 years of organizational expertise in providing mental health services to a diverse population of delinquent and pre-delinquent youth.
Reach & Rise Impact
Reach & Rise Has Served More Than 10,000 Youth & Host 400 Mentors Each Year!
- Reduces Juvenile Delinquency: Youth with a Reach & Rise mentor are 2.3 times less likely to be involved in juvenile delinquent behaviors.
- Supports Alternative Coping Skills: Youth with a Reach & Rise mentor are twice as likely to avoid substance use.
- Improves Family Relationships: Builds stronger cohesion and positive change within family dynamics.
- Enhances Academic Performance: Reduces truancy and improves classroom preparedness, behavior, and grades.
Voices of Impact:
Hear from Our Mentors and Mentees
“All I want is for him to know that he is worth knowing. That he is worthy of other people’s time and attention. That his existence in this world matters. I hope that knowing this empowers and emboldens him to pursue the becoming of his fullest self — and to know and love that person fully. I wish that for all of us.”
Edric, Mentor
Mentorship to me is a way to pay it forward and empower others. Having a positive impact on someone’s life, career, or personal growth is fulfilling to me.”
Courtney, Mentor
Mentoring Made for You:
Empowering Lives, One Connection at a Time
One-to-One Mentoring Program
The Reach & Rise one-to-one mentoring program pairs a youth with a dedicated adult mentor for 12 to 18 months. This trusted relationship offers consistent guidance and nurturing support, helping the youth build self-esteem, improve decision-making, and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Group Mentoring Program
The Reach & Rise one-to-one mentoring program pairs a youth with a dedicated adult mentor for 12 to 18 months. This trusted relationship offers consistent guidance and nurturing support, helping the youth build self-esteem, improve decision-making, and strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Looking to Refer a Youth or Become a Mentor?” Discover Reach & Rise mentoring! We proudly serve 12 YMCA locations across 11 states. Find your local Reach & Rise and join us today!
Birmingham, Alabama – One to One
Hot Springs, Arkansas – One to One & Group
San Francisco, California – Urban Services/Chinatown Y’s – One to One & Group
Atlanta, Georgia – One to One & Group
Baltimore, Maryland – One to One & Group
Brockton, Massachusetts – One to One & Group
Newark, New Jersey – One to One & Group
Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Group
Butler, Pennsylvania – One to One & Group
Knoxville, Tennessee – Group
Fort Worth, Texas – One to One & Group
national team
Shinquell Green, National Director
Youth & Family
Reach & Rise® Mentoring
Ages 6-17 Chinatown YMCA, Urban Services YMCAAcademic Support or School Completion
Five Keys
Ages 18+ Bayview Hunters Point YMCAHealth & Wellness
