Please contact a Youth Mentoring Program Coordinator by calling 603-228-0108 to discuss referring a child.
Who are the children benefiting?
Why should I become a mentor?
As a parent, how do I refer my child to the program?
Who are our volunteer mentors?
How much does it cost a parent/guardian for their child to participate?
How does the program match a child for me as a volunteer mentor and vice versa?
How much time per week do I need to invest?
What kinds of activities can we do?
As a mentor, can I include family/friends in mentoring time?
How do I apply to become a volunteer mentor and what kind of support will I receive?
Girls and boys ages 6-17 who are referred by parents, educators and others from Merrimack County.
At a time when services are being cut, the needs of the youth in our area are still very real. These children could truly benefit from creative, interesting and committed volunteers. Many children just need a little leg up. You might be the one to make the difference for that special, deserved child on our wait list.
Mentors are caring, trusted volunteers who provide one-to-one support to the children in the program. Mentors, age 16 or older, help encourage the characteristics and capabilities of a young person in fun and meaningful ways, generally through a weekly commitment of time.
There is no fee. Call 228-0108 for details.
Our staff members assess each volunteer mentor candidate to identify skills, talents, and interests that could be complementary to those of a child on our waiting list. The children are interviewed to ascertain their strengths, needs, and interests to maximize successful outcomes.
Between 1-3 hours minimum, depending on the program service option.
We encourage 1:1 volunteer mentors to start with interests they have in common with the child; such as music, sports, food, and animals without making it a costly undertaking. The program also has local resources for free and discounted activities and regularly hosts group activities for participants to enjoy.
We encourage mentors to prioritize one-to-one time with the child, especially when the relationship is new. This offers the opportunity for the child you are mentoring to get to know and trust you before introducing others. It is appropriate for the child to interact with your family/friends once you know they are ready.
If interested, please call 603-228-0108. The mentoring relationship is monitored and supported by a youth mentoring professional throughout. In addition, the program offers opportunities for on-going training sessions for mentors.