4-H Mentoring: Youth & Families with Promise (YFP) is a program which began in 2001 and is designed for youth, ages 10-13, and their families. Youth are matched with adult mentors, who establish caring relationships with identified youth. All mentors are screened before being matched (interview, reference and background check). This program allows youth to develop their interpersonal and academic skills by participating in structured recreation, community service, and community youth groups.
4-H Mentoring Program ComponentsWe are committed to providing an environment which fosters belonging, independence, generosity and mastery among mentors, youth, and families. The four essential elements of positive youth development.
Mentors are a major part of their mentee's life. They provide stability and a caring relationship for their mentees. They provide their kids with something to be excited about and someone who is always looking out for their well being.
Youth will:
- Meet four times each month with their mentor for 1 hour mentor sessions
- Become part of a 4-H Club with other YFP supported youth
- Attend bi-monthly Family Night Out programs together with their family
Mentors will:
- Be a mentor to a child in New Hampshire
- Be a guide, advocate, friend and role model
- Help your mentee feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, understand the importance of generosity, and master new skills
- Introduce your mentee to new and different environments
- Meet and socialize monthly with the other mentors at other 4-H YFP activities organized for you and your mentee
- Make a year commitment to mentor youth, meeting with youth once a week beginning in March 2018
- Engage in mentor trainings
- Become a 4-H Volunteer
What youth need most is a caring adult who peacefully resolves conflicts and communicates in a healthy way. They need someone to trust and who trusts them.
To Become a Mentor:
For questions, please contact:
Kate Guerdat - kate.guerdat@unh.edu or 603-862-4544
Gail Kennedy - gail.kennedy@unh.edu or 603-863-9200
**To become a mentor, you need to be at least 18 years of age and have a vehicle. You will need to be formally interviewed at a time which fits your schedule. You will be required to complete a background check (simply for the safety of the youth) and attend some training prior to being matched with a child. Once the required paperwork has been completed, the process of matching you with a child will begin.