Mentor

Our Mentors

The process to becoming a mentor starts by calling the office to schedule an orientation to get all the relevant information about our programs and dates. Then, request a mentor application, fill it out and turn it in. It's that simple. (See the steps to be a mentor listed below.)

We take pride in training our mentors very well to succeed with the teenagers we work with. The program starts with intense and extensive training, then slows down after the pairing to a once-per-week meeting with your young person.

The program commitment is one year long, and ends with a completion ceremony, which is not unlike a graduation ceremony. At the end of your one year commitment, you and your young person can determine whether you would like to continue meeting. If you both choose to do so, you are welcome to utilize our Touchstone program to support you with coaching and community meetings.

GW1 mentors at the the launch course

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An abbreviated version of the process is as follows:

Step 1: Attend a one hour orientation

Step 2: Complete a mentor application

Step 3: Complete a background check

Step 4: Attend a Foundations Workshop.

Step 5: Attend 2 mentor tools trainings

Step 6: Attend an Advanced Mentor Training

Step 7: Attend the Launch Course at a residential site in Buena Vista. The mentor's primary role is to get to know the youth. Bonds will develop that will help in the pairing process. The Launch Course can be a 3-5 day retreat depending on the program. Mentors need to attend a minimum of Friday through Sunday but are strongly encouraged to attend Wednesday through Sunday.

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After the Launch Course:

PAIRING OCCURS. Mentors and youth help identify who they would like to be paired with. Each mentor will be assigned a group leader to coach and support them throughout the year.

Mentors meet weekly with their young person, at a time and location that is convenient for both.

Once per month the entire community of mentors and youth reunite for a community workshop.

Mentors will have 2-3 Mentor only meetings that will provide additional training and coaching throughout the year.

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Mentor's quotes....

A Mentor's Perspective- The beginning of a program
By Wendy O'Donovan

Colorado Youth at Risk's "Steps Ahead for GW" launch course found me frightened as a schoolgirl at the start, yet empowered like a goddess by the conclusion. The five-day journey felt like a fortnight with sobs and giggles intertwined. The teens exhausted and exhilarated me, the course room events bewildered and intrigued me, the ropes activities petrified and challenged and me. My fellow mentors are now my family. Memories from the campground are now my sanctuary. The tools provided now contribute to my daily thoughts and actions. I chose this path as an alternative to joining the Army Reserves. I now know that as a mentor I am a crusader for freedom and a protector of our nation. Above all else, I know that I am blessed to be a part of something so powerful.

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"The mentor relationship had a huge impact on my thought process, my ability to take risks,

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"I really get the importance of keeping my word. This program helped me to set some big goals and showed me how to achieve them."

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"Being part of the CYAR community was by far the best thing for me, it both pushed me to grow and supported me while I struggled. I feel more connected with the community. I will be more involved in my community."

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For general information or to support Colorado Youth at Risk call 303-623-9140.