Reach & Rise Mentoring Program
Changing Lives
Supporting Youth Development
About Reach & Rise
Reach & Rise® is a free, volunteer-led, group-focused, evidence-based mentoring program for youth ages 7-17 who may be experiencing social and academic challenges (e.g. low self-esteem, poor academic progress, peer difficulties, family conflict, etc).
The overarching goal of the Reach & Rise® Mentoring Program is to foster successful futures for youth by helping them develop healthy relationships, become productive citizens, and positively contribute to society. Through the support of a mentor, participants can experience improvements in personal development, academic performance, and social relationships, leading to greater confidence, stronger life skills, and positive long-term outcomes.
Model for Success
The Reach & Rise® model incorporates all Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™, including screening, training, matching, monitoring, support, and closure. It strengthens these evidence-based practices by integrating mental health approaches to build impactful mentoring relationships for youth affected by trauma and mental health challenges.
Groups meet once a week for 2 hours. Over the course of 10–16 weeks, youth mentees participate in meaningful conversations, educational activities, and positive role-modeling experiences designed to build character, strengthen confidence, and help them recognize their value and potential impact on the world around them.
Our adult volunteer mentors go through a comprehensive 15-hour paraprofessional Mentor Training with emphasis on therapeutic approaches and interventions with youth, background screening, and reference check to ensure the highest of professional standards are met.
Program Eligibility & Participant Safety
Our group mentoring program is designed to provide youth with positive role models, meaningful connections, character development, and social-emotional support in a safe and encouraging environment. While our trained volunteer mentors are committed to supporting participants, they are not licensed mental health professionals and are not equipped to provide clinical counseling, crisis intervention, or therapeutic services.
If a youth’s needs exceed the scope of our mentoring program, we may recommend connecting with qualified mental health or behavioral health professionals who can provide the appropriate level of care and support. Our goal is to ensure that every participant is placed in an environment where they can be safe, successful, and well-supported.
Become a Mentor
Volunteer mentors are an integral part of the YMCA Reach & Rise® mentoring program. We can’t do it without you. Do you have a passion for bettering youth in your community? See if you meet the requirements below:
- You are 21+ years old
- Comfortable with co-loading a group of 8 youth mentees
- Can commit to 10-16 weeks of your time, depending on the season, for 2-hours a week
- Complete 15+ hours of paraprofessional mentor training
To ensure the safety of all youth in our programs, all volunteer mentors must complete the following before being assigned to a group.
- Complete Application
- Interview
- Reference Checks
- Background Check (completed every 2 years)
- 15-hour Paraprofessional Mentor Training
- Child Abuse Prevention Training (annually)
- Signed Code of Conduct and Abuse Prevention Policies and Procedures
Become a Mentee
SIGN UPS FOR REACH & RISE ARE OPEN!
Mentees must be between the ages of 7-17 to participate in the program.
Referrals to Reach & Rise can be completed by school counselors, teachers, principals, community agencies (e.g. social welfare or community counselors), YMCA community, friends, families, or by the individual themselves. All referrals will undergo an application process to help determine eligibility as stated above.
FAQ's
How old do I have to be to become a mentor?
21 years or older
How old does my child have to be to participate in the program?
Youth have to be at least 7 years old and cannot be older than 17 to participate in the program. As long as they are enrolled before their 18th birthday; they’re eligible for participation.
What is the time commitment?
Reach & Rise has sessions during the Spring, Summer, Fall. We host 3 groups in the Spring for 14-16 weeks; 2 Groups in the Summer for 10-12 weeks, and 3 groups for 14-16 weeks
How often do the groups meet during the seasonal session?
The youth and mentors meet weekly for 2 hours per group.
Can I register my child for the group and postpone their attendance?
Yes, you can determine which session your child participates in.
Do I have to be a current member of the YMCA to enroll my child or become a mentor?
No, Reach & Rise is available to all eligible youth and all eligible and interested adults that want to participate.
Additionally, we offer non-member participants (both youth and mentors) a complimentary YMCA membership for the duration of their participation with the program. The household membership covers up to 3 adults and 3 children.
Is there a cost for youth to participate?
No, Reach & Rise is a free program available to all eligible youth.
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