Where we work
We service Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, York Region (Thornhill, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket and Aurora). Our Head Office is located in North York, Toronto.
What we do
We fully screen, train and support all of our youth mentors. This includes a vulnerable police background check, professional reference check and a full in-home assessment. Mentors must complete our mandatory Mentor Training and if appropriate our Youth Mental Health Training and Youth Learning Challenges Training. Mentors are also fully supported by a staff social worker for the duration of the mentoring relationship, as well as ongoing, 24/7 emergency support. Our volunteer program is free and we provide monthly no-cost Group Youth Mentoring events and activities for our mentor matches (i.e. Jays and Raptors games, bowling, holiday events, movie nights and more). We also provide support and monitoring through our Parent Support Workers, who obtain periodical updates from the family regarding the match and help to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
Who are our mentors
Youth Assisting Youth recruits volunteer mentors who are between the ages of 16 and 29. Our program uses a peer-mentoring model that matches youth-to-youth, leading to a deeper more transformative impact. We match mentors with at-risk or newcomer youth that are between the ages of 6 and 15 years old.
Our mentors are typically university / college students or young professionals who want to make a difference in their community. They give back by providing an at-risk kid with guidance, support and a positive influence and role model.
Mentors are not therapists, counselors or babysitters. Our expectation of a mentor is to become a friend and set a positive and healthy example. If they are comfortable doing so, mentors may provide tutoring for their mentee. But tutoring is not an expectation or requirement.
Mentor time commitment
We ask mentors to commit and give an average of 3 hours per week for a minimum of 1 year to support their mentee. Matches may continue beyond 1 year if both parties agree to remain matched.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be advised that we are now accepting self-referrals from all Canadian and Newcomer parents and guardians due to COVID-19.
- Newcomer youth are non-Canadian citizens, living in Canada for 10 years or less, and are ages 6-15.
- Canadian youth are born in Canada or living in Canada for more than 10 years, and are ages 6-15.
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