General Information
Fees:
Free
Service Delivery Format:
- In Person:
- By appointment only on a case-by-case basis
- In-person groups not available until further notice
Eligibility:
- Youth Mentees: 12 – 25 years
- Mentors: 18+ years
Next Session Dates:
Ongoing
Sessions Per Year:
52 weeks per year
Languages offered:
English
Hours:
Monday to Friday
Location:
West Toronto Youth Hub
1541 Jane Street, North York ON M9N 2R3
Contact:
Naomi Baptiste – Youth Mentorship Program Coordinator
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.
How to Apply to be a Mentor
We are looking for individuals over the age of 18 with mental health oriented experience or familiarity who would like to be a Mentor. For anyone who is interested, click on the link below to fill out an application.
