Become a Partner for Youth Empowerment and Success
Youth Empowerment and Success (YES) Mentoring Program is a program of Partnerships for Children that pairs volunteer community mentors with teens currently or previously affiliated with the foster care system. The YES Mentoring Program is a vital resource for youth in foster care, providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed and thrive.
Adult mentors play a crucial role in providing positive influence and a supportive presence in the lives of these young people. If you're interested in making a direct difference in the life of a young person, consider joining the YES program as a mentor!
An ideal mentor for a youth in foster care is compassionate, patient, and understanding. They have trauma-informed training and are committed to building a trusting relationship with their mentee. As a mentor in the YES program, you can expect to build a one-on-one relationship, supporting your mentee as they aim to reach their goals and aspirations. Mentors maintain weekly contact and meet in-person monthly for at least one year.
Partnerships for Children coordinates regular community events for mentors and mentees to enjoy together. Some events we host annually include a Bat Boat Cruise on Lady Bird Lake, Trail of Lights during the holiday season, local soccer games with Austin FC, and cooking classes.
In addition to normalcy activities and providing emotional support, mentors work with their mentees on financial literacy and basic life skills. Our financial literacy classes are designed to equip youth with essential life skills in goal setting, job readiness, moving out 101, and budgeting. These classes offer a hands-on and interactive learning environment that empowers youth to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of adulthood with confidence.
Not ready to become a mentor yet? There are plenty of ways for individuals to get involved with the YES Mentoring Program beyond becoming a mentor! Here are some impactful ways to support the program and the youth it serves:
1. Host an Event for Youth: Consider organizing events like a yoga class, bowling night, candle making class, or arcade night for the youth in the program. These activities provide opportunities for fun, relaxation, and life skill-building.
2. Donate Event Tickets: Donate tickets to sporting events to give the youth in the program the chance to enjoy a live sports experience. This can create memorable moments and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Contact YES Program Coordinator, Aneiya Harrison, at aneiya@partnershipsforchildren.org to explore hosting an event at your business, or donating experience tickets.
3. Support the Amazon Store: Visit the YES Mentoring Program's Amazon store where gift cards are used to provide basic needs for youth who may be experiencing a crisis. By purchasing gift cards, you can directly contribute to helping youth in need access essential items.