Reach & Rise® Mentoring
Ages 6-17 Chinatown YMCA, Urban Services YMCA
For over 30 years, Reach & Rise has been transforming the lives of San Francisco’s youth and families. Established in 1992 by the YMCA of San Francisco, our program provides therapeutic mentorship to youth (ages 6-17) facing challenges such as mental health setbacks, low self-esteem, and family or peer conflicts.
What began in San Francisco has grown into a nationally recognized program, now hosted in 11 states, empowering youth across the country to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Through one-to-one and group mentoring, we match adult volunteer mentors (age 21+) with young people to build meaningful relationships that foster resilience, confidence, and brighter futures. Join us in continuing this legacy of impact right here in San Francisco.
Youth & Program Directors
Meet with mentees once each week to discuss issues occurring in the youth’s life while engaging in enriching activities in the community.
Youth
Are referred from schools, counselors, parents and other YMCA programs.
Program Directors
Provide ongoing mentor support, family support, and case management.
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 18 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: A five year study
Discover the impact of mentoring with Reach & Rise® through our five-year study conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). Click the link to explore key findings on the long-term effects of mentorship.
Program Benefits
Together, mentors and mentees share diverse experiences, develop a stronger sense of belonging within their communities, and create lasting memories!
- One youth (ages 6-17) is matched with one adult volunteer mentor
- Matches meet in the community for 1-3 hours per week for a minimum of 12 months
Contact 1:1 Program Director: Vanessa Gonzales
- Two adult mentors are matched with a group of 6-8 mentees (ages 6-17)
- Matches meet in the community for 1-2 hours per week for 14-16 weeks (Fall & Spring) or 6-8 weeks (Summer)
Contact Group Program Coordinator: Allan Chavez
Get Involved
Serving Youth Across San Francisco – Join Us Today!
Reach & Rise proudly supports youth across San Francisco through our Urban Services and Chinatown YMCA programs. Whether you’re interested in becoming a mentor or referring a youth to our life-changing mentoring program, we’d love to hear from you!
Together, we can empower the next generation to thrive!
For questions or to get involved, please contact:
Vanessa Gonzales – 1:1 Program Director
Allan Chavez – Group Program Director