Mentor Program

The teens that experience summer camp and sign up for the mentor program are paired with an adult volunteer who serves as their mentor.  The mentees get individual support over the phone and in person from their mentor each month.  Additionally, Higher Ground hosts group activities, such as fire station tours, self-defense classes, and bowling, for the teens and their mentors once every six weeks. 

The group activities give the mentees the opportunity to regularly see one another and reinforce the feeling of family and community that was created at summer camp.  Throughout the year the teens continue to develop positive relationships with one another, giving them an alternative peer group to engage with.

This follow-up mentor process has a positive effect on the youth, evidenced by improved grades, more participation in school activities, and decreased violence.  The mentees flourish when someone spends just a little time focused on them, their life, their struggles, and their successes.  This individual attention is a fundamental aspect of the Higher Ground program.

Visit our Photo Gallery for images from our mentoring program!

Volunteer as a Mentor
Refer a teen to our program
Enroll a teen in our program

“I have learned so much from my mentee about what real happiness is and what is really important in life – it has made me an all around better person.” – Scott Reichenberg, Mentor

“[Having a mentor] changed my life by being able to talk to someone because I don’t have a dad and I can talk to my mentor about stuff.” – Atlay Miranda, Mentee