Youth Assisting Youth - Yonge Street Office - Youth to Youth Peer Mentoring Programs

Application

Mentees: referral from parents or guardians, or referral through medical, legal, social service or educational professionals, such as teachers, settlement workers, doctors, outreach workers, guidance counsellors; application available on website, or by email or fax

Youth mentor volunteers: complete online application form, and volunteer recruiter will call to begin screening process; call or visit website for details

Eligibility - Population(s) Served

Mentees: at risk and newcomer children and youth 6-15 years experiencing emotional, behavioural, social or cultural adjustment difficulties, including mental health issues and learning disabilities

Volunteer mentors: youth and young adults 16-29 years

Residency Requirements: City of Toronto and York Region

Fees

None

Contacts

Ed Carlson - Director, Development
416-932-1919 ext 222 * ecarlson@yay.org

Languages

English ; Arabic ; Bengali ; Cantonese ; Dutch ; Hindi ; Mandarin ; Portuguese ; Punjabi ; Russian ; Somali ; Spanish ; Tamil ; Urdu

Accessibility Note

Street parking close to entrance, also paid parking at rear of building ; Wheelchair accessible rear entrance ; Elevator with braille and voice/tone features ; Barrier-free washroom including door and stall

Description of Services:

Programs and activities available in-person and through online conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, WhatsApp, contact for information

Individual and group mentoring, client needs assessments, mentee/mentor matching, volunteer interviews and volunteer mentor training, group workshops, tutoring, educational and recreational activities

One-to-One Peer Mentoring Program
For low-income, single-parent, immigrant, newcomer, and refugee youth, program matches children and youth with trained volunteer mentors; for registered clients

Group programs for registered clients
Trained and experienced volunteer mentors assist with activities to help newcomers transition to their new community and establish social and professional networks

focus on citizenship and civic engagement or skills, career, and leadership development
case management and parent support
short term individual mental health counselling and self care training
community based group activities and events
virtual tutoring program
girl empowerment program
boy empowerment program
mandatory mentor training and workshops, topics include child abuse, multiculturalism, behaviour management, mentoring, bullying, mental health, learning challenges
literature in 12 languages including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu
monthly activities