Foster children have the same needs as other children – and a few extra. All children need love and affection. They need security in family life and the privilege of being respected as a person. They need the wise, friendly understanding of warm-hearted adults. These are the things that you as a volunteer can give to a foster child who has not experienced this in their home.

Community volunteers provide hundreds of at-risk youth with fun activities and outings at monthly FUNDAYS, while providing a much needed break for the foster parents. For these children and families, our volunteers are our FACES of HOPE, providing role models and the support they need to overcome their abusive past.

Foster Youth Mentoring Programs

The Y Community Service Foster Youth Mentoring program provides academic mentoring, community based mentoring, & monthly "Funday" activities for foster youth between the ages of 6 – 17. You can volunteer in one or more of the programs, and we highly recommend attending a fun day to come and see what our program is all about!! In all of our programs, we provided on-going training, case management, support, and resources throughout the duration of the mentoring relationships.

Learn more about volunteer mentoring opportunities today. Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (714) 508-7638

YMCA FUNDAYS

Please save the date for our upcoming YMCA FunDays

Jan 15th
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YMCA Community Services - Mentoring Stories

Anonymous - MENTORING

   
 

How The YMCA Has Helped My Son

The YMCA has helped my family in so many different waysÖ Ironically, I probably would have never ended up adopting three years ago if the Y did not have a mentoring program. I started mentoring foster children over 15 years ago through the YMCA's mentoring program and was so struck by the number of children in foster care in our community that I started thinking about becoming a foster parent. I made that leap about 6 years ago and decided to adopt 3 years later.

As a mentor, I saw firsthand how mentoring can help foster children. Last weekend I had dinner with a former mentee who is very close to becoming a law enforcement officer in our community. He recently returned from serving our country in Iraq. I never would have thought that was possible when I first met him as a 14 year old, but a little kindness and guidance can make a huge difference in the life of a young person.

My son has socialization issues that are not uncommon among abused children. The YMCA Fun Days allow my son to gather and socialize with kids who've had similar experiences. The Y's volunteers and staff are incredible and always make Tyler feel welcome.

The substitute teacher or babysitter might think of my son as "that behavior-challenged kid", but to me he is the greatest gift I could ever hope for, and I am extremely thankful that there are organizations like the YMCA Community Services to help children like my son.

Anonymous
YMCA Community Services - MENTORING