Mentoring

Why Mentoring
What to Expect
FAQs
Become a Mentor

Mentoring

effective
positive
lasting
change
for
young
lives

effective positive lasting change for young lives

Since 1999, Release has matched and supported 880 community mentor pairs. During 2021, 86 matches were active. In July 2021, we initiated group mentoring due to the number of youth waiting for a mentor. Over 200 youth have attended our group mentoring sessions. We also have chaplains who work without over 1,600 kids in detention and community centers.

Why Mentoring?

What possible good can mentoring do today?

55%

more likely to enroll in college

78%

more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities

130%

more likely to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team

90%

of respondents reported being interested in becoming mentors themselves

I have an opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.
The pains and struggles I've walked through have been a meaningful gift here.
I'm surprised by how much I've learned from my mentee.
I don't feel like I have all the answers, but I'm learning just showing up matters more than I realized.
This relationship is changing me for the better.

What to Expect

Even though mentoring will be as unique as you and your mentee, here are 3 stories, from Release mentors, to help paint a picture of what mentoring could look like for you.

Real stories. Real mentors. Real connection.

Next Steps

Sign up

If this sounds like something you want to do, fill out the application to become a mentor.

Consultation

Meet with staff member to learn about the program and determine if mentoring with Release will be a good fit for you.

training

Come in for an orientation and training. We'll give you everything you need to help kids succeed.

Get Matched

Choose between individual or group, and community (1/1) or site specific mentoring (DCYC, JJC, Hope Center, or hospital) and we'll match you up with a kid we think you'll connect with.

Ongoing Support

You'll get weekly calls for the first month, monthly check-ins, quarterly training and fellowship opportunities, and 24/7 support whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most common questions our mentoring team gets asked.

What happens during a mentoring outing varies depending on the match. We match a mentee and mentor based off shared interests and goals.

Some examples are: talking, exploring the outdoors, Bible study, going to games or events, playing games, life skills training, and having fun.

Releases has partnerships with metro area businesses and organizations to help support our mentor matches with activities and discounts.

DCYC and JJC are locked high-security facilities. They are staffed by outstanding teams of professional youth workers. Volunteer Mentors are never put in an unsafe situation, and staff make sure youth are also safe from anyone visiting.

Release has been working with youth since 1994 and has never had an incident when a staff or volunteer was hurt or unsafe. It's truly hard to understate how much the youth appreciate the volunteers and look forward to visits from their mentors.

Become a mentor

Sign up for a today

Got questions? Ask Marcus by email or phone (402) 455-0808.