Volunteer mentors are needed for new programming at BGC Cochrane and Area that will help shape the lives of local youth for years to come.
The non-profit’s teen drop-in, The Club, is launching a youth mentorship program for those ages 13 to 17 beginning in the fall.
According to coordinator of youth programs Renita Bartlett, the program aims to support young people in their journeys through adolescence.
“We were hearing in the community that youth are wanting more opportunities to participate in activities and connect with individuals, and natural support is always a big thing for youth anyway,” said Bartlett. “We wanted to be able to provide that resource for youth in the community if they want it.”
Natural supports can include family, friends, neighbours, coaches, teammates and others in the community who may comprise a person’s social network.
An addition to that network can come in the form of a mentor – a person who will listen, guide, counsel, and be a trusted voice of experience.
For youth who don’t have anyone like that in their life, Bartlett said a mentor can be life-changing.
“Speaking from experience, it’s an incredible opportunity to have that support in one’s life when going through so many changes – because there are lots of changes in between those ages of 13 and 17,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities to have some great and really formative conversations around that time.”
Bartlett, who has been working in the non-profit sphere for 25 years, said she was first introduced to her line of work through a mentor she had in her younger years.
“They taught me a lot of skills – different skills,” she said. “They really helped me to explore what my interests were and become the person that I am today.
“Having a mentor really gives youth the opportunity to develop self-confidence and build up their self-esteem, experience different activities and maybe try some different things that may spark some other interests in their life – it can open many doors for them.”
The program gives back to the mentors in return, she explained. Now that Bartlett is older, she gives back by being a mentor herself.
“Being that person that a kid can reach out to if they’re having a really bad day at school and they just want somebody to talk to or there’s something going on in the community and they need to talk about it – it’s a pretty special thing,” she said.
On any given day, BGC Cochrane and Area sees about six to 30 youth at The Club’s teen drop-in space.
Before the program launches in September, the non-profit hopes to enlist 10 to 15 volunteers who are ready to become mentors to youth when called upon.
Volunteers will apply to become a mentor by reaching out to Bartlett at [email protected] where they will receive an application form.
Those hoping to volunteer will need to submit two references, an updated criminal record check, and an intervention check. They will also be interviewed and quizzed on some of their interests and hobbies to better pair them with a youth in need.
Mentors will receive free training before they are matched so they can have a better idea of what to expect out of the mentorship, including a Safe Space workshop – a hands-on, innovative approach that focuses on creating safe spaces for all, specifically LGBTQIA2S+ people.
Similarly, the mentee will apply for the program and complete an application that will match them with an appropriate mentor they will feel comfortable spending time with.
Youth and their mentors will have the freedom to meet once or more a week for an hour or more to partake in activities of their choice – whether it be a hike, a football game, playing cards, visiting the library, or going to a museum, for example.
Ideally, the pair will stick together for a year or longer, as Bartlett explained statistics show any supportive measures that last less than a year may be less effective in making a difference in the life of a young mentee.
