Youth Mentoring Program
First Nations Community HealthSource’s Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) provides one-on-one and group level mentoring services children in K-12 grade (ages 5-18 years)
to improve academic performance, academic attendance rates, and self esteem and to decrease substance use and gang activity. The program works with local APS schools such as the Emerson Elementary, Wilson Middle School, Native American Community Academy and others and with various community programs such as the All Nations Wellness and Healing Center. The program’s goals are to promote positive youth development by improving academic performance, attendance, and self-esteem levels. Other goals are decreasing substance abuse, gang involvement, and creating self-rules that will guide them toward self-sustainability. A mentor’s commitment can change a child’s life and promote positive development with cultural awareness in many ways including:
- Increased school attendance
- Increased self esteem and self confidence
- Improved school grades
- Stronger and healthier family and community relationships
Who do we serve?
The purpose of YMP is to serve and assist children who are underprivileged and underserved in the Albuquerque area. By assisting those who experience any of the challenges below, we hope to make a difference in the life of a child.
- Failing one or more subjects
- Low school attendance
- Part of the juvenile just system
- Demonstrating behavioral or emotional issues
- At risk of child abuse or substance abuse
- Comes from a single-parent or foster home
How do we serve?
YMP incorporates evidence-based youth mentoring practices which include:
- A minimum of 4 hours/month of one-on-one mentoring
- A minimum of 4 hours/month of group mentoring
- Comprehensive background checks on all members and program staff
- Trained Mentors
- Matches that last 6 months or longer
- A continual monthly feedback process on the program’s effectiveness.
Why do we serve?
According to MENTOR, the National Mentoring Partnership,
“Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity.”
Unfortunately, one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.
How can you get involved?
- Become a Mentor! By becoming a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a HUGE difference. To become a mentor, please follow the steps below:
- Contact the Youth Mentoring Program at (505) 248-2969
- Complete a mentor application and interview.
- For the safety of our students, we require you complete a background and fingerprint check.
- Once we receive approval with your results, we will match you with a mentee for one-on-one mentoring and group activities.
- Attend a Mentor Orientation Training event – Occurs every 1st Friday or Saturday of the month).
- Become a Mentee! By becoming a mentee, your child will gain support, knowledge, and insight on how to be an effective and self-sustaining learner.
- Complete a mentee application.
- At minimum, agree to meet with your mentor once per week for one hour or more.
- Participate in monthly group activities with your mentor or parent.
*We ask parents have an active role in the mentorship experience by communicating with YMP Case Managers and your child’s mentor regarding their progress in the program. As many say, “It takes a village to raise a child”.
- Volunteer! We are always in need of presenters to give cultural or health-related presentations for our monthly group activities or tell us about your upcoming events so we can participate. We really enjoy demonstrations that require audience involvement!
- Donate! We take donations in any form and we very much appreciate your contributions to our program and its participants. Below are a few suggestions:
- School Supplies (Color Pencils, Notebooks, Folders, Binders, Paper, Pencil Cases, etc.)
- Books
- Board Games
- Backpacks, etc.
The Youth Mentoring Program’s hours of operation include after school hours and occasional weekend hours. Please contact the program at (505) 248-2969 for more information. Some transportation services to and from the activities is available.
Explore the adventure of mentoring! Meet new people and give back to your community. Be a role model to a child and have fun!!!
Becoming a Mentor
Becoming a mentor is simple. You must be willing to make a 6 month commitment to spend a minimum of one hour per week with a child and participate in at least one group mentoring activity per month. You will participate in a mentor training and our staff will contact you every two weeks to see how you and your mentee are doing. You will also be invited to participate in events and activities for you and your mentee and you will receive our monthly newsletter.
Becoming a Mentee
Becoming a mentee is simple. Your child must be willing to make a 6 month commitment to spend a minimum of one hour per week with a mentor and participate in at least one group mentoring activity per month. You and your child will participate in mentee training and our staff will contact you every two weeks to see how you, your child and your mentor are doing. You will also be invited to participate in events and activities for you and your mentor and you will receive our monthly newsletter.
If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, click to download the Youth Mentoring Program forms: