Mentor Anniversaries – October

It’s time to celebrate our October Mentor Program anniversaries! Swipe through the photos below to see the entire group.

Mentoring relationships have profound, long-lasting impacts on both mentors and youth. At Youth Horizons, we’ve seen firsthand how mentorship in the Wichita community can positively influence a child’s life trajectory. Longevity in these relationships brings even greater benefits, fostering deep, meaningful connections that help shape the futures of young people. Here are some key benefits of long-term mentoring:

1. Emotional and Psychological Growth

• Increased Self-Esteem: Youth with long-term mentors report higher levels of self-esteem and confidence. A National Mentoring Partnership study found that mentored youth are 55% more likely to feel valued by their peers.
• Improved Mental Health: Consistent support from a mentor can reduce anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, providing a stable, trusted adult figure over time.

2. Academic and Career Success

• Higher Graduation Rates: Youth in long-term mentoring relationships are more likely to graduate high school. In fact, studies show mentored youth are 55% more likely to enroll in college.
• Improved Academic Performance: Youth involved in mentoring programs like Youth Horizons show better attendance, grades, and attitudes towards school. Consistent mentorship can increase academic success by offering guidance and motivation.

3. Reduced Risky Behaviors

• Lower Risk of Drug Use: According to research by Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentored youth are 46% less likely to start using illegal drugs.
• Decreased Likelihood of Involvement in Crime: Youth Horizons participants who engage in long-term mentoring have a decreased likelihood of engaging in delinquent behaviors. Mentored youth are also 27% less likely to start drinking alcohol.

4. Development of Social and Emotional Resilience

• Improved Social Skills: A stable mentor provides a model for healthy relationships, communication, and conflict resolution. Long-term mentors help youth develop the social and emotional skills needed for healthy adult relationships.
• Increased Trust: Trust builds over time, and long-term mentors provide a consistent source of support that youth can rely on. This trust allows youth to open up about struggles, leading to better emotional outcomes.

5. Building Positive Adult Role Models

• Long-term Stability: When mentors stay connected to youth over several years, they offer the type of stability that is crucial for kids in challenging environments, like those in the foster care system.
• Strong Community Ties: These relationships also encourage youth to stay connected to their community. Youth Horizons mentors act as positive adult figures who invest not just in the child, but also in the future of Wichita.

6. Generational Impact

• Breaking Cycles: Mentorship helps break cycles of poverty, neglect, and trauma by giving youth the tools they need to succeed. This doesn’t just impact the mentee; it can have ripple effects on families and future generations.

By building these long-term relationships, we create a culture of trust, support, and hope that is crucial to the youth we serve. At Youth Horizons, we see this every day—the longer a mentorship lasts, the deeper the impact on the child, the mentor, and our entire Wichita community.

Join us for our next Mentor and Advocate Training:
Thursday, Oct. 10
6:00– 8:30 p.m.
125 S. Washington Ave, Suite 200
Dinner is provided

RSVP HERE to learn how you can be part of something life-changing!