Youth/Mentees
Our youth benefit immensely from our mentoring program. Our mentors provide them with opportunities that many didn’t think were available. They learn that going to college can be a reality. They learn there is a whole world out there they can be a part of. We plant seeds for those who may not be quite ready to make necessary changes in their lives, but are still open to hearing about the possibilities. For those who are ready but don’t have the “know how,” YJI mentors help to reveal:
- What it takes to get out of the system
- What educational and career options are available
- How to pursue different career opportunities
- How to get into college
- How to build healthy relationships with peers, family, and self
- How to build a self-awareness that they matter and that they are special
These are their words...
Click above to watch Vanessah's video testimonial.
Click above to watch Dylan's video testimonial.
"Honestly, I think everyone needs a mentor because they're great role models. . . and they help us to trust ourselves. They give us something we don't usually have in a place like this and that's hope."
-young man in IMP"I really like the program because - first of all - I get the chance to talk to someone about how I’m feeling and second, my mentor is like my family because I don’t get no family here to see me and I really want to thank the program and my mentor for staying here with me and going with my difficult times."
-young man, 9 mo. in IMP"I received someone to talk about my problems and such and I look forward to having someone visit me on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I really appreciate it. Plus, Joe is a cool person, someone I feel I got some stuff in common with. I would like to continue talking with Joe once I’m out of here."
-young man, 5 mo. in IMP"I feel IMP is very helpful especially for kids who spend a long time in here & they teach you stuff like chess, especially kids who don’t get visit. Even for kids get visits good because can’t tell parents or anyone else what is going on."
-young man, 1 yr. in IMP"I learned how to talk freely, communicate better. Thank you for your time coming out here talking to us."
-Young man, 6 mo. in IMP"She taught me to do the right thing and not come back to YGC."
-young lady, 3 mo. in IMP"I learned to keep believing in myself and never give up."
-young lady, 1 mo. in IMP"She helped me with my reading and behavior."
-young lady, 5 mo. in IMP"This program helped me a lot because no one came to see me and it helped me not to be lonely."
-young lady, 7 mo. IMP"It helped talk to someone to relieve some stress."
-young lady, 1 mo. IMP"When he came I felt good because we have a big trust like good friends that we already are and because he handles me well and gives me lots of advice."
-young man, 3 mo. IMP"It gave me a chance to try and build my trust with people."
-young man, 4 mo. IMP"Cause when I’m having a bad day & she come to see me, it makes my day better because we talk about my problems."
-young lady, 1 mo. IMP"I need someone to talk to. I needed someone to get my mind off of the bad things."
-young lady, 4 mo. IMP"I gained trust and I learned a lot about my inner self and about what I really want to do in my life and my future goals."
-young lady, 4 mo. IMP