Old Colony YMCA, based in Brockton, Massachusetts, is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering a variety of services to youth in our 29 southeastern Massachusetts communities since 1992. Old Colony Y Mentoring is proud to serve children ages 9-18 through 1:1 community-based mentoring and ages 8-15 through group mentoring with positive, caring adult mentors.
This is a free service that we provide. We believe that every child can benefit from having a dedicated friend outside of their family; someone who is there for that child and spends time with him or her because they want to.
Our community- based program offers traditional one-to- one matching of Mentors and Mentees. Matches enjoy activities such as playing sports, visiting parks/ museums/ libraries, biking, hiking, or just spending time together in the community. Our group mentoring program is a site-based model matching Mentors and Mentees in a small group setting with two mentors and up to eight children to engage in social emotional curriculum.
For more information contact us!
- Community Based 1:1 Mentoring: Josilma Montrond - jmontrond@oldcolonyymca.org
- Group Mentoring: Zahrya Pereira - ZPereira@oldcolonyymca.org
Children in Consistent Mentoring Relationships are...
46
%
less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27
%
less likely to start drinking
52
%
less likely to skip school
Site-Based Group Mentoring
The Old Colony Y Mentoring’s Site Based Group program works in partnership with local elementary schools to provide students with tools and resources to support themselves in and out of the classroom. This program is centered on social emotional learning and utilizes fun group games and activities to strengthen social skills.
- After school model
- 2 mentors with 8 youth (1:4 ratio)
- Requires a two hour commitment, one time per week, for 16 weeks. (Fall, spring and summer sessions)
- Mentors can be anyone who is a positive role model who loves kids, and wants to help them thrive in and out of school.
Mentor Requirements:
- Must be 21+
- 15 hours of required trainings
- Ability to pass a background check
1:1 Community-Based Mentoring
Old Colony Y Mentoring’s 1:1 Community- Based Mentoring program is a therapeutic mentoring model coupled with family and case management support. 1:1 matches make time weekly to spend time together doing activities they both enjoy like bowling, sporting events, going to the park or just spending time together in the community. The goals of this program include connecting youth aged 9-17 with positive adult role models, exposing them to new opportunities, and fostering self-confidence and social competency within an asset-rich environment.
- Matches spend 1-3 hours per week together doing an activity within the community.
- Currently serving 29 communities within Massachusetts.
- Mentors are asked to commit to the match for a minimum of one calendar year.
Mentor Requirements:
- Must be 21+
- 15 hours of required trainings
- Ability to pass a background check
- Valid driver’s license
WOW (While on Waitlist) Events:
- Youth waiting to be matched are invited to attend events hosted by the Y
- Events range from local college tours, to art projects, to gym time and asset building activities.
- Through these events, program staff have an opportunity to get to know the youth and assure the best match is made when picking a mentor.
Old Colony Y Mentoring is supported by donations as well as local, state, and federal funding. The program is currently supported in part by a State Mentoring Matching Grant, administered by the Mass Mentoring Partnership, the Department of Public Health, the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and Reach and Rise Mentoring.