Youth Mentorship Program

Youth Mentorship Program

Operating under Yorktown Family Services at the West Toronto Youth Hub, the Youth Mentorship Program (YMP) aims to empower and improve mental health outcomes of young people between the ages of 12-25 through one-to-one and group mentoring. In fulfilling our purpose, we operate through mental health-informed principles, strengths-based and youth engagement approaches, and through consistent support and engagement from volunteer mentors.

Through YMP, we work in building youth resilience and in enhancing their protective factors against negative health outcomes. More specifically, the program provides youth a health and close relationship with a consistent adult (mentor). Through this match, youth gain access to the skills and resources that are necessary in their academic and professional success, and in their engagement in communities. By achieving these goals, the program ultimately improves youth’s wellbeing and prevents negative mental health outcomes such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

How to Get a Mentor

To get access to a one-to-one mentor, we invite youth to participate in the YM Bootcamp (YMB). YMB is a 7-week program that prepares youth for a mentoring relationship by equipping them with coping, goal-setting, communication, and other life-skills; and by providing them a safe space to meet and interact with like-minded and goal-oriented youth. At the end of the program, youth get the opportunity to meet possible mentors and help inform the matching decision.