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“I look up to my mentor
because he has a heart for others.”
 The
YMCA of Orange County has been serving the needs of foster
children for more than ten years. Our 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.
Download Mentoring Brochure
There are volunteer mentoring opportunities in the following
programs:
YCS Foster Youth Mentoring Division
YCS Foster Youth Mentoring Division provides academic mentoring, community based mentoring, & monthly "Funday" activities for foster youth between the ages of 6 – 17. Our programs vary in length of commitment and screening/training requirements. 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. We have three distinct programs, which include the following:
Community Based Mentors:
Our community based mentoring program offers a new model of mentoring in which matches are made between two adults and two children or one adult and two children. Volunteer pairs may be couples, relatives, friends, or co-workers. Activities can include going to the park, museum, movies, or any community event that will help you build a relationship with your youth while focusing on building trust and friendship with one another. All activities with matched children involve both adults. This arrangement benefits, supports, and assures the safety of both our volunteers and the foster children we serve. Our Mentors commit to minimum of eight to ten hours per month for one year. One-on-One community based mentoring is available through a six month commitment to our academic mentoring program.
Download Community Based Mentoring Application.
Academic Mentors:
Our Academic Mentoring Program places you with a foster child in need of academic motivation and assistance. We have children of all ages who need help in all subject areas; use your knowledge and skills to help a child succeed in school and in life. You will travel to the foster home and provide academic support and guidance for minimum of one hour a week for a six months commitment with the opportunity of moving into a one-on-one relationship.
Download Academic Mentoring Application.
Fun Day/Special Events Mentoring:
Each month, we plan a Fun Day event for the foster children of Orange County. This day can be a carnival, a trip to the aquarium, an art day, or museum visit. Our goal is to provide a safe and fun place for our children to be children, and also to give the foster parents a much needed day off. You may volunteer for as many “Fun Days” as you like or for just one, it’s up to you! After six months you have the opportunity of moving into a one-on-one relationship. Our Fun Days are on Saturdays and are typically four hours in length and are funded through donors, local businesses, and fundraising efforts. We also have Lead Volunteer positions for our fun days which include helping to plan, coordinate, and lead our monthly events. To find out more information about our next fun day, get more information on being a lead volunteer, or to volunteer for an upcoming fun day, please contact mentoring@ymcaoc.net or call 714.852.6014.
Download FunDay Volunteer Application.
Download Fun Day Calendar.
For information on any of our mentoring programs or to become a volunteer or for information on how you can refer your child to be a participant in our foster youth mentoring programs please contact mentoring@ymcaoc.net
All of our volunteers must fill out an application to volunteer. Click on the appropriate link for the program that you are interested in volunteering, then please fill out and either fax or mail the application per the information provided on the document. If you are having difficulty accessing any of the applications, please email mentoring@ymcaoc.net for assistance.
For information on how to get your organization, school, or business involved in our programs or if you would like more information on donating, sponsoring, or funding any of our fun day events, please contact mcarey@ymcaoc.net or 714.852.6027.
Learn more about how your commitment as a mentor can impact a child's life. Read our testimonials below.
View Mentee Testimonial
View Mentee Parent Testimonial
View Mentor Testimonial |
