There are many young people in Appalachian Ohio who are trying to navigate an unusually bumpy road in life.  They need a unique friend—a mentor.  Research consistently shows that relationships with caring adults in addition to one’s parents can help a young person grow up to reach their full potential.  Youth engaged in mentoring are significantly more likely than those without mentors to develop the attitudes and habits that can help ensure success. The programs of the Sojourners Mentoring Program offer young people this important extra support and attention. Mentoring offers many potential benefits, not just for youth but for adults as well.  Additionally, entire communities benefit from knowing that their young people are supported on their way to successful futures.

Mentoring at Sojourners

• The Appalachian MentorCorps provides intensive one-on-one mentoring to young people in foster care (8-15 years)

• Sojourners seeks to establish mentoring relationships between community members and young people (16-21 years) that can be sustained beyond their time in foster care

• The Appalachian MentorCorps and the Ohio Outback Conservation Corps provide group mentoring with young people in the Youthbuild of Southeastern Ohio program.