At Valley Youth House, we believe that every young person deserves a consistent, positive adult presence in their life—someone who believes in them, encourages them, and helps them navigate challenges. Our Lehigh County Mentoring Program is dedicated to connecting adolescents, ages 14 to 21, who have been involved with the foster care system, with caring adult mentors who can provide support, guidance, and companionship.

The Role of a Volunteer Mentor

Mentoring is more than just spending time with a young person; it’s about building a lasting relationship rooted in trust, support, and shared experiences. As a mentor, you’ll meet with your mentee face-to-face every two weeks and work to be a reliable presence in their lives. This connection allows mentors to guide young people as they learn life skills, develop self-confidence, and grow into their potential.

Mentor Responsibilities:

• Face-to-Face Meetings: Engage with your mentee in person every two weeks to build a consistent, supportive relationship.
• Ongoing Training & Development: Participate in all relevant training sessions, including Valley Youth House Orientation, Mandated Reporting, and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC).
• Monthly Check-Ins and Reporting: Stay connected with program staff through monthly communications and complete a brief mentor report to keep everyone updated on the mentorship progress.
• Safety and Boundary Awareness: Ensure safety for yourself and your mentee, and be mindful of setting and respecting boundaries.
• Open Communication with VYH Staff: Be honest about your mentoring experience and communicate if any improvements can be made to the support you receive.

Our mentoring program is designed with support every step of the way to make the journey meaningful for both mentors and mentees.

Why Become a Mentor?

Serving as a mentor is a unique opportunity to positively impact the life of a young person in need of stability and encouragement. The experience is both rewarding and enriching, offering personal and professional benefits, including:

• Training and Skill-Building: Gain insights into communication, youth development, diversity, and more, which can enhance your own personal and professional growth.
• Building a Lasting Connection: Create a meaningful relationship that can offer your mentee a sense of security, guidance, and belonging.
• Making a Difference in Youth Development: Share your skills and knowledge to help a young person grow and thrive.
• Professional Development: Develop new skills and gain valuable experience that can enrich your career profile and network.

Mentor Requirements

To join our program as a mentor, here are the essentials:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Be willing to commit to the mentoring relationship for one full year.
• Have the ability to cover some expenses for activities or meals during mentor-mentee outings (up to $50 per activity can be reimbursed).
• Possess a good listening ear and the ability to establish a supportive connection.
• Be interested in and open to learning about Trauma-Informed Care.
• Complete the onboarding process, including application, clearances, interviews, and training.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re interested in learning more about the impact you can make as a mentor, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Arianna Stoudt at 484-773-1449 to discuss the program, the process, and how you can start making a difference.

Being a mentor is a journey of learning, growth, and reward. It’s an opportunity to change a young life—and yours in the process.