-FRIENDz

Make A Friend, Make a Difference

*       Y-FRIENDz is a new mentoring program with YMCA Youth & Family Services serving children, ages 4-15, who have one or both parents in prison.  There are over 15,000 such children in San Diego County!

*       What are the Benefits of such a program?  Mentoring empowers positive change in children and helps build the relationships and skills they need to become happy, healthy, and productive adults.  Outcomes include a better attitude towards school, a better chance of going on to higher education, prevention of unhealthy behaviors such as violence, crime, and substance abuse, and enhanced leadership skills and self-image.

*       How Are We Different from other mentoring programs?  Y-FRIENDz accepts only young people who have one or both parents in prison.  The referral comes from a community youth agency, the parent or parents who are incarcerated, the spouse, grandparent(s), or guardian.  Few agencies begin as early as age four and yet the earlier the intervention occurs the better chance for success.

*       What is the Commitment that we ask from our mentors?   Partnerships commit to meeting for at least one hour per week for a year.  Afterward they may continue until the child turns 16 and may continue to participate in events with the hope that the mentee will someday become a mentor.

*       What Do Mentors Do each week?  Mentors give their children a positive alternative to crime and substance abuse.  Alternatives may encompass activities such as biking, sports, movies, museums, hiking, arts and crafts, tutoring, and just hanging out.  Besides the multitude of recreational and cultural activities available in San Diego County, partnerships are invited to attend monthly group activities such as camping, fishing and snow trips, concerts, plays, athletic and various University events.  Life skills lessons and community service activities are also essential components of the program.

*       Orientation and Training are ongoing throughout the year.  “Y-FRIENDz Only” monthly events allow the mentors to reflect on how their partnership is going with other mentors and Y-FRIENDz staff.

*       Interested in becoming a mentor?  Know someone who would make a good mentor?  Know of an organization that could help in any way?

Contact Don McNeill at dmcneil@ymca.org or (619) 543-9850 Ext.133.