Are you looking for someone to offer you advice, support, guidance, and more? A mentor is an adult who can be an extra support to you for the big and little things in life. Often, mentors can do fun activities with you or teach you how to do new things. There are some great opportunities for youth in our community to have mentors!
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Type of service: Mentoring What they do: Match youth with 1:1 mentors, provide "site-based" mentoring, and community events for "bigs" and "littles" Who is eligible? Ages 5-14, no restrictions. Free! You can enroll to get a personal one on one mentor or have a mentor at a site. Referral needed? Referrals are accepted from schools, counselors, and DCFS, but no referral is needed Best way to access services: Call office and make appointment.
Address: 220 E. Morgan St. Jacksonville Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Phone number: 217-243-3821 Contact person: Andrea Murray email: andream@bbswci.org
Type of service: Mentoring What they do: Group mentoring events. This program challenges youth ages 12-17 to be leaders in their school and community. Youth participate in service learning projects, tutoring, and serve as role models to other youth. The goal is to have students become lifelong scholars and leaders. GoodGuides also assists youth in finding a future career. They offer a student-athlete program, service learning, summer youth employment, career and life navigation, and mentoring. Who is eligible? All youth ages 12-17 are welcome. Free! Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call Sam at 217-370-8357
Phone number: 217-340-8357 Contact person: Sam Holmes, Jr. email: slhjr30@hotmail.com
Jacksonville DREAM Center Foundation
Type of service: Mentoring What they do: Match youth with mentors who assist them in developing their interests and skills. Volunteer projects at the center and in the community. Who is eligible? All are welcome. Referral needed? None needed Best way to access services: Walk in, or email with questions
Address: 210 W. College, Jacksonville Hours of operation: Most afternoons and evenings Contact person: Steve Cantrell email: jacksonvilledreamcenter@gmail.com
Type of service: Mentoring What they do: Match pregnant or new mothers with a peer mentor. Mentees can receive "mommy money" to spend in the organization's store to obtain items for themselves or their child Who is eligible? No eligibility requirements. All are welcome. Referral needed? None needed Best way to access services: Call
Address: 1440 West Walnut, Suite A-3, Jacksonville Hours of operation: M, T, Th, Fr: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m
Type of service: Mentoring What they do: YESS - Youth Enrichment, Services, and Support Referral needed? No Best way to access services: Call or walk in
Address: 238 West State St, Jacksonville Phone number: 217-291-0911 Contact person: Kathleen Finkle