Y Mentors matches youth in Olmsted County from all different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including Caucasian, African American, Somali, Cambodian, Hispanic, Laotian, and Bosnian.
Currently, there are over 50 youth still on the waiting list for a mentor. Some youth have been waiting as long as two years to have a mentor. The majority of the youth on our waiting list are middle school aged, however we match all school-aged kids (K-12th). Youth involved in Y Mentors are required to attend school. All of the youth in our program also must also have a personal or family need, and want a mentor. Youth are generally referred to Y Mentors by school counselors, teachers, social workers and parents.
We match youth with mentors based on INTERESTS.
Here are some details about a few of the youth that are presently on our waiting list:
Initials: A.C.
Age: 10
Gender: Female
Grade: 5th
Ethnicity: Cambodian
How long on waiting list: 1 year
Interests/Personality: I'm really sweet and I'm looking for a buddy to hang out with. I love sports and being outside. I have lots of hobbies and I'm curious about a lot of new experiences
Why I need a Mentor: My parents are divorced and I would like the mentoring experience. I would really like someone to talk to and hang out with.
Initials: C.G.
Age: 9
Gender: Male
Grade: 4th
Ethnicity: Caucasian
How long on waiting list: 1 year
Interests/Personality: I love to play soccer, football, kickball, and I love the races. I love to be outside and go sightseeing, roller skate, and hike. I also like to visit the zoo, play games (computer & video), and watch movies.
Why I need a Mentor: My parents are divorced and I never see my dad. I would like to have a male mentor in my life.
Initials: D.M.
Age: 9
Gender: Male
Grade: 4th
Ethnicity: Caucasian
How Long on waiting list: 2 years
Interests/Personality: I really like basketball, football & kickball. I also enjoy going swimming, fishing, and going to the zoo. I love to play video games and do art.
Why I need a Mentor: I really friendly and I have a lot of friends & family. I would like to get out more and have some one on one time with a guy.
Initials: S.R.
Age: 6
Gender: Female
Grade: 1st
Ethnicity: Caucasian
How Long on waiting list: 1 year
Interests/Personality: I'm really active and I love to learn. I really love to do new things. Some day I want to be a veterinarian. I love sports, music, art, and school.
Why I need a Mentor: I was adopted when I was little and I would like to have a friend to talk to and experience new things with.
Initials: A.S.
Age: 14
Gender: Female
Grade: 9
Ethnicity: Caucasian
How Long on waiting list: 1 year
Interests/Personality: I love to snowboard, kayak, roller blade, rock clime, and I really like puzzles. I have a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do, volunteer at Ride Ability, and I'm in Girl Scouts.
Why I need a Mentor: I would like someone to talk to about school and peer pressures. I would really like to do more outdoor activities as well!
I Need A Mentor~
Initials: J.M.
Age: 11
Gender: Male
Grade: 6
Ethnicity: Hispanic
How Long on waiting list: 1 year
Interests/Personality: I love to play sports, play guitar, and collect cards. I also like video games, ping pong, and bowling.
Why I need a Mentor: I would really like help with homework and someone to exercise with. I see my dad about 3 times a year and would really like to have someone to hang out with.
Initials: M.M.
Age: 14
Gender: Female
Grade: 9
Ethnicity: Hispanic
How Long on waiting list: 6 Months
Interests/Personality: I'm very polite and giving. I enjoy crafts, math, volunteering, volleyball, and basketball.
Why I need a Mentor: I would really like help with homework and someone to help me set and reach my goals.
Initials: J.H.
Age: 7
Gender: Male
Grade: 2
Ethnicity: Hispanic
How Long on waiting list: 1 year
Interests/Personality: I love sports and animals. I also enjoy video games, movies, and theater. I like to go sledding, swimming and I would like to be a firefighter when I grow up.
Why I need a Mentor: I have mild autism and I don't see my dad. I would like someone to talk to and to listen to me. I could really use a friend to hang out with.
Initials: S.H.
Age: 7
Gender: Female
Grade: 2
Ethnicity: Somalian
How Long on waiting list: 3 months
Interests/Personality: I like basketball, track, soccer, swimming, biking, and bowling. I also like to play games and computer games.
Why I need a Mentor: I would really like help with my homework and someone to play games with.