Community For Youth

Community For Youth
999 Third Avenue
Suite 1570
Seattle, WA 98104

Office
(206) 325-8480

Fax
(206) 957-2255

Mentor Commitment
So what does it take to be a mentor? All new mentors at Community for Youth are brought into our Steps Ahead Program, where you are matched with a freshmen at one of our three schools -- Rainier Beach, Cleveland and Chief Sealth High Schools. Adult mentors must be at least 21 years of age. You don't need prior experience with youth (we provide you with proper and on-going training) but we're looking for individuals who have enthusiasm, will commit to the full schedule and will support their students fully.

From a time perspective, adults who wish to become a mentor commit to the following. The schedules for the 2008-2009 school year will be finalized during the Summer 2008.

1) Mentor Orientation - This orientation will introduce you to our program, some of the curriculum we use, and even some of our current students and mentors. You will complete your application and WA State Patrol Background check authorization form at the orientation. Orientations are held during the evening from 5:30 - 9:30pm.

2) Mentor Interview - The Program Manager from the school you choose will contact you to have an interview. While this is taking place, staff and experienced mentors are interviewing students at the schools. The interview is scheduled at the prospective mentor's convenience.

3) New Mentor Training - All of mentors for each school will meet to go through a training prior to meeting the students. This meeting is held in the evening from 6:00 - 9:00pm.

4) Pre-Launch Meeting - The Pre-Launch meeting is where students and mentors meet for the first time as a new community! Parents of the students are also welcome to attend this meeting in order to learn more about Steps Ahead. Mentors are required to attend this meeting from 5:45 - 9:00pm.

5) Launch Course - The Launch Course is a 3 1/2 day retreat on Vashon Island with mentors from their chosen high school and the students attending that high school. Over the weekend, the community develops and participants are introduced to the curriculum of Steps Ahead. Students and mentors leave on Thursday after school and return on Sunday evening.

6) Follow-Through Program - After the orientation and launch course, the follow-through program begins. Weekly activities rotate between:

One-on-one time with your student, to be scheduled at your convenience
Workshop with fellow mentors and students
Group activity
On-going mentor training

Each group of students and mentors from their designated high school participate in weekly activities on a different night from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.

Rainier Beach meets Tuesday nights
Cleveland meets Wednesday nights
Chief Sealth meets Thursday nights

“It's such a gift to be included in my student's life, having her call just to chat and share what's going on. Her relationships have improved dramatically over the last year with parents, teachers, peers and me.”
- Christie, Mentor

“Recently relocated to Seattle, my mentoring experience with CFY gave me the immediate connection to my new community and provided me with so many new contacts, resources, and friends in such a short time frame. It’s been an amazing experience!”
- Gerardo, Mentor

“I've gained a real sense of appreciation for the strength of these kids, the unbelievable obstacles they have overcome in their lives. These kids want to succeed!”
- Sandy, Mentor