CCI is not offering youth mentoring services at this time.

YOUTH MENTORING Services

We're currently actively recruiting mentors. ​Interested in joining our great team?
​Contact:
Lindsey Kuitse
(208) 345-6031 or 
lkuitse@ccidaho.org

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Did you know that 9 million kids across the US are growing up without a good adult role model to help them? And many of them are right here in Idaho!

​Our youth mentor program fosters the growth and development of youth, ages 9-17. We match adults of all ages with young people to provide guidance, encouragement, and culturally appropriate learning opportunities. Mentoring adults share their knowledge and experience and provide a positive adult role model for our youth, to help them successfully navigate their tween and teen years.

​Our mentors promote positive youth behaviors such as improved attendance at school or involvement in community activities to strengthen gang resistance skills, school achievement and development of healthy relationships. We work with youth to develop a positive sense of self and community.

BENEFITS of our mentoring program

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​CCI utilizes evidence-based mentoring methods that offer support and encourage growth across 40 developmental characteristics that young people need to succeed.

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​Half of the desired characteristics focus on the relationships and opportunities they need in their families, schools, and communities (external), the remaining characteristics focus on the social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments that are nurtured within young people (internal). 

EXTERNAL Characteristics

​Support: Young people need to be surrounded by people who love, care for, appreciate, and accept them.
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Empowerment: Young people need to feel valued and valuable. This happens when youth feel safe and respected.
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Boundaries and Expectations: Young people need clear rules, consistent consequences for breaking rules, and encouragement to do their best.
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​Constructive Use of Time: Young people need opportunities—outside of school—to learn and develop new skills and interests with other youth and adults.

INTERNAL Characteristics

Commitment to Learning:​ ​Young people need a sense of the lasting importance of learning and a belief in their own abilities.

Positive Values: ​ Young people need to develop strong guiding values or principles to help them make healthy life choices.
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Social Competencies: Young people need the skills to interact effectively with others, to make difficult decisions, and to cope with new situations.
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Positive Identity: Young people need to believe in their own self-worth and to feel that they have control over the things that happen to them.
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WHY MENTORING matters

Teens and tweens who have positive role models are:
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​52% less likely than peers to skip school
46% less likely than peers to use drugs
130% more likely to hold leadership position in clubs or sports
55% more likely to enroll in college
81% more likely to participate in sports or extra-curricular activities 
78% more likely to volunteer in the community
90% would like to become a mentor
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​“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well, I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” 
                              — Denzel Washington

​Meet MUTHO, one of our mentees

​Mutho is a witty, energetic, and caring 9-year-old boy, who loves soccer, Pokemon and math. Mutho has been enrolled in CCI's Mentoring Program for several months and is anxiously awaiting to be matched with a male mentor.

Wouldn't it be great if you could show Mutho that his biggest dreams are within reach? 

​There are many youths, like Mutho, waiting for someone to step into their lives, to help them succeed. ​

Become a MENTOR

There's no perfect age, level of experience, cultural background, education or degree, or gender to be a good mentor. Good mentors are flexible, have healthy boundaries, and are patient. They have a good sense of humor, good communication skills, and are enthusiastic about making a difference in the lives of young people.

Mentors must:

• be at least 18 years old
• have a valid driver's license
• pass a background check
• be a good role model!

connect. support. learn. share. guide. inspire.

​"I am a little concerned about her self image. I noticed that she drew herself as a white person in a drawing that she sent to me. In normal times I would address this differently, but right now (COVID-19) what I’m doing is bringing her books and reading about Black excellence. This is my goal for August, to help her see blackness as something beautiful." 
​ -- CCI Mentor

We're currently actively recruiting mentors.
​Interested in joining our great team?
​Contact:
Lindsey Kuitse
(208) 345-6031 or 
lkuitse@ccidaho.org

Become a MENTEE

“The delicate balance of mentoring someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to create themselves.” — Steven Spielberg

Growing up can be tough, especially when facing challenges, like difficulty in school, problems with peer relationships, or maybe you're new to the US and don't quite get the nuances of American culture. We're here to help, with our youth mentoring program. 

Our program provides an opportunity for your child to get to know an adult they can trust, one who will dedicate time every week to your child and will take an interest in helping them grow and navigate the tough spots.  They'll get involved in fun activities, help with homework, or reading, or other school-related issues. They'll provide guidance or direction to your child where needed and provide a fresh perspective on life in general. 

Our mentors are thoroughly vetted, have passed criminal background checks, and provided several references before being accepted in our program. We match your child with the appropriate mentor, based on your child's needs and interests. It can result in a friend for a lifetime!

Even though we're working in a COVID-19 world, we've found ways for our mentors to stay in touch with our youth. And once it's safe again, we can't wait to get back out doing fun things together!

​If you, your child, or someone you know is in need of a mentor, please contact us for more information. Our program is open to anyone who fits the criteria of the program. We welcome your interest!
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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the benefit of mentoring?
Being a mentor gives you a priceless opportunity to be a part of the personal growth and success of a teenager.

What will I be doing?
Attend mentor training, maintain contact with mentee via scheduled phone calls and visitations, and demonstrate professional and personal ethics and values at all times.

What type of activities can I do with my mentee?
Visit a library, museum, farmer’s market, capitol, bank, study group, sports event, job training, college tour, or a UPick farm. Provide assistance with job applications, educational field trips, service to community projects, or even something as simple as having a meal together.

Where can I get help if my mentee struggles?
Utilize your mentee’s Service Coordinator should you encounter any issues or concerns. We are committed to every client’s success and will support you!

​How has COVID-19 affected the mentor program?
When COVID-19 hit we took our mentor activities remote for a while. Here are some of the things we did to stay in touch when we were unable to be together:

• dropped off gift bags for mentees, and sat outside and watched them open them from our cars
• designed and delivered art cards for each other
• dropped off half of a puzzle or half of an art project, then the mentee finishes the project

From a mentor ...

"I met my mentee soon after she came to the United States. Together, we've gone on adventures all over Boise. We've been to Jumptime, the Aquarium, and even on a horse drawn carriage ride.

​Over the past year, I've seen her grow in confidence. She is a gifted artist, a caring friend, and a loving big sister. She is authentically herself at all times.  

She overflows with joy and spreads it to all those around her. It's been a pleasure to watch her blossom and I have so enjoyed spending time with her and getting to be part of her life."