Youth Mentoring Program

First Nations Community HealthSource’s Youth Mentoring Program (YMP) offers personalized one-on-one and group mentoring services for children in grades K-12, covering ages 5 to 18 years. The program is designed to enhance academic performance, attendance rates, and self-esteem, while also addressing issues such as substance use and involvement in gang activities. It operates in collaboration with local APS schools including Emerson Elementary, Wilson Middle School, and Native American Community Academy, as well as in partnership with community programs like the All Nations Wellness and Healing Center.

The program strives to advance positive youth development by improving academic performance, attendance, and self-esteem, while also reducing substance abuse and gang involvement. It also emphasizes empowering children to establish self-guiding principles that lead them toward self-sufficiency. A mentor’s dedication can profoundly impact a child’s life, promoting positive development with cultural awareness through various means, including:

• Increased school attendance
• Elevated self-esteem and self-confidence
• Enhanced academic performance
• Strengthened family and community relationships

Who do we serve?

YMP’s mission is to support and help underprivileged and underserved children in the Albuquerque area. We aim to make a difference in the lives of children experiencing any of the following challenges:

• Failing one or more subjects
• Low school attendance
• Involvement in the juvenile justice system
• Demonstrating behavioral or emotional issues
• At risk of child abuse or substance abuse
• Coming from a single-parent or foster home

How do we serve?

YMP incorporates evidence-based youth mentoring practices which include:

• A minimum of 4 hours/month of one-on-one mentoring
• A minimum of 4 hours/month of group mentoring
• Comprehensive background checks on all members and program staff
• Trained Mentors
• Matches that last 6 months or longer
• A continual monthly feedback process on the program’s effectiveness.

Why do we serve?

According to MENTOR, the National Mentoring Partnership,

“Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity.”

Unfortunately, one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.

How can you get involved?

• Become a Mentor! By becoming a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a HUGE difference. To become a mentor, please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the Youth Mentoring Program at (505) 248-2969
2. Complete a mentor application and interview.
3. For the safety of our students, we require you complete a background and fingerprint check.
4. Once we receive approval for your results, we will match you with a mentee for one-on-one mentoring and group activities.
5. Attend a Mentor Orientation Training event – Occurs every 1^st Friday or Saturday of the month).

• Become a Mentee! By becoming a mentee, your child will gain support, knowledge, and insight on how to be an effective and self-sustaining learner. 

1. Complete a mentee application.
2. At minimum, agree to meet with your mentor once per week for one hour or more.
3. Participate in monthly group activities with your mentor or parent.

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We encourage parents to take an active part in the mentorship experience by staying in touch with YMP Case Managers and your child’s mentor to discuss their progress in the program. After all, as the old saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

“Volunteer! We are always in need of presenters to give cultural or health-related presentations for our monthly group activities or tell us about your upcoming events so we can participate. We really enjoy demonstrations that require audience involvement! 

Donate! We gladly accept donations in any form and greatly appreciate your contributions to our program and its participants. Here are a few suggestions:

• School supplies (such as colored pencils, notebooks, folders, binders, paper, and pencil cases)
• Books
• Board games
• Backpacks, etc.

The Youth Mentoring Program operates during after-school hours and occasional weekends. For more information, please contact the program at (505) 248-2969. Limited transportation services to and from the activities are available.

Explore the adventure of mentoring! Meet new people and give back to your community. Be a role model to a child and have fun!!!

Becoming a Mentor

Becoming a mentor is simple. You must be willing to make a six-month commitment to spend a minimum of one hour per week with a child and participate in at least one group mentoring activity per month. You will participate in mentor training, and our staff will contact you every two weeks to see how you and your mentee are doing. You will also be invited to participate in events and activities for you and your mentee, and you will receive our monthly newsletter.

Becoming a Mentee

Becoming a mentee is simple. Your child must be willing to make a 6-month commitment to spend a minimum of one hour per week with a mentor and participate in at least one group mentoring activity per month. You and your child will participate in mentee training, and our staff will contact you every two weeks to see how you, your child, and your mentor are doing. You will also be invited to participate in events and activities for you and your mentor and you will receive our monthly newsletter.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, click to download the Youth Mentoring Program forms: 

• Mentor Forms
• Mentee Forms