Mentoring
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” ~ Martin Luther King Jr
Mentoring is an essential focus at the YWCA Cortland. We currently have three mentoring programs that are free to all participants.
Bridges for Kids is an individual mentoring program that matches a trained adult volunteer with youth ages 5-12 who are looking for a trusted adult to help them succeed. The mentor meets with the child once a week. Mentors provide the one-on-one attention so crucial to building self-esteem in our local youth. In addition, they offer enrichment activities designed to increase the child’s self-confidence, resiliency skills, and background knowledge. Activities range from cooking nutritious meals at the YWCA to sledding in Beaudry Park. The importance of education is stressed, as is healthy exercise, creative outlets, and new experiences such as museums and sporting events. *The program provides family activities for all enrolled families throughout the year and assistance with school supplies, holiday dinners, and gifts.
COVID-19 Bridges for Kids alternate program offers a Pen Pal Mentor to be matched with your child. A mentor will be trained and taught about how to be a productive pen-pal mentor. Your child will receive letters weekly and be asked to write back to that mentor to build a relationship. The goals of the Pen Pal address self-confidence, building resiliency skills, and building self-esteem.
Enroll:
To enroll your child in Bridges for Kids, please fill out the form below or stop by
the front desk.
Bridges for Kids Enrollment Form
*Once enrolled in Bridges for Kids, you can sign up for additional assistance listed below:
- Back to School Supply Assistance
- Thanksgiving Dinner
- December Holiday Gift Assistance
- Occasional food giveaways
Become a mentor:
To become a mentor, you must be 18 years or older, have access to a vehicle, be willing to commit to at least one year with the child, and attend training.
If you would like to be a mentor, fill out the application below.
For questions about Bridges for Kids, email bridges@cortlandywca.org
GEMS (GIRLS: EMPOWERED, MOTIVATED, SUCCESSFUL)
GEMS is a free support group for girls who would like to be part of the community in a fun and unique way. The girls share experiences, learn to stay healthy, do creative projects, and serve the community. They are working to make smart life choices and become confident leaders.
Throughout the school year, GEMS meets weekly during the school day at both Cortland and Homer Junior High. Interested in having your child participate? Sign up using the corresponding form below.
For more info, call 607-753-9651.
HEALTHY NOW
HealthyNOW! is a free collaborative Cortland County program between SUNY Cortland, the Cortland County Health Department and Youth Bureau, the Cortland County Family YMCA, and YWCA Cortland. The aim of the program is to help children ages 8-18, learn about eating well and how to be more physically active so that they can live happier, healthier lives. Participants will enjoy fun and safe activities and form new friendships, all while learning to make healthier choices. Take advantage of the available one-on-one mentors, fitness advisors, and health professionals to develop a support system that could last a lifetime.
Meets three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 10 weeks during the Fall semester and 10 weeks during the Spring semester. Location switches from day to day between SUNY Cortland, the YMCA, and the YWCA.