Mentoring

We provide mentors for at-risk youth!

Youth Horizons’ mentoring program helps youth grow to be confident, hopeful and productive citizens. We match youth from age 5 to 14 (at startup) with a positive Christian role model. Mentors commit to spend time with a child for a minimum of one year. Mentoring time is rewarding time with a caring adult and includes academic advancement and development, life skill-building (sports, behavior, money management, etc.) and spiritual development (Bible study, prayer, church).

Become A Mentor Refer A Child

Providing Mentors for Kids in Schools

Youth Horizons offers Christian men and women opportunities to mentor in three ways: one-to-one in the community, in schools as “Lunch Buddies,” and in our residential programs at Kinloch Price Boys Ranch or Wren House (for girls and young women). We ask mentors to spend 1-3 hours each week with a youth for at least one year or an academic school year. We currently have mentors in multiple schools in the Greater Wichita area, and churches adopt schools to match members with students.

Begin a Church – School Partnership

Would you like to see volunteers from your church mentoring at a local school? Are you a principal or teacher in a school and need volunteers to spend time with your children? If so, please contact us and we will begin building partnerships to help support your church or school.

Youth Horizons Mentor Qualifications

Youth Horizons has mentors from every stage of life: college, single, married without kids, married with kids, retired, etc. In some matches, the mentor fills the role of a big brother, and in others, the mentor relates to the child as more of a parent or grandparent figure. Those interested in becoming a mentor must meet the following guidelines:

Be active in a local church
Be at least 21 years old (or 18 for school-based mentoring)
Complete a screening process involving a personal interview, written application, training, and background checks

Youth Horizons Mentoring FAQ

What is Youth Horizons Mentoring Program?

Youth Horizons Mentoring Program is a gold star, research-driven program that empowers children and their families to become healthy and productive members of our community and creates a nationwide awareness of the needs of at-risk youth. The mentoring program uses Christian adult volunteers who commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive personal, spiritual, academic, and career goals.

Am I qualified to be a mentor?

To be a mentor with Youth Horizons you must be at least 19 for school-based matches and at least 21 for community based matches. There is no age cap. We’ve had applying mentors as old as 80 years of age! Every adult has something to offer a child. You must reside in or around the Greater Wichita area. You must be a Christian active in a local church. If you have a past felony, it does not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a mentor.

How do I become a mentor?

To become a mentor you must fill out an application online HERE or request a paper copy. You must pass background checks, provide four references, provide proof of car insurance and a valid driver’s license, be interviewed by a staff member, and attend a training orientation.

What is expected of me as a mentor?

Mentors are dependable, consistent, and willing to listen to and communicate with their Mentor Coach. Mentors must have access to an automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record. Mentors set a good example Mentors who do well are willing listeners, encouraging, supportive, patient, flexible, tolerant, and respectful of individual differences.

What is the commitment to being a mentor?

You are expected to meet with the child once a week for 2-3 hours per week for a minimum of one year. You will take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship. You will serve as a positive role model and friend. You will build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together (spiritual, life-skills, fun). Strive for mutual respect, build self-esteem and motivation, and help set goals and work toward accomplishing them.

What kind of support do I have as a mentor?

You will be assigned a Mentor Coach who will walk with you the whole way. You will be given a number of ways to contact your Mentor Coach so that you are always able to reach him or her with any questions or concerns you may have. You will go through a training that will begin to equip you for the task ahead. Follow up training and resources are available to you as well.