MENTOR AMERICA
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Mission Statement
Mentor America empowers underserved youth ages 11 to 21 through trauma-informed mentorship, education, life skills, and leadership development—helping them build resilience, self-sufficiency, and a path to a brighter future.
About This Cause
Mentor America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2021 to address the urgent needs of youth ages 11 to 24 living in historically underserved and disinvested communities. We exist to fill critical gaps in support, opportunity, and stability for young people facing overwhelming social and systemic barriers such as poverty, violence, trauma, homelessness, and justice system involvement. Our mission is to empower youth through trauma-informed mentorship, life skills education, academic support, leadership training, and wellness services—helping them build resilience, confidence, and a pathway to self-sufficiency. Why We Exist In communities like Englewood, Auburn Gresham, and Maywood, youth are navigating environments where violence, economic instability, under-resourced schools, and systemic injustice are everyday realities. Many are raised in single-parent households, exposed to community trauma, or have experienced school expulsions, homelessness, or juvenile detention. For many of our participants, there are few safe, structured spaces to receive support, guidance, and positive reinforcement. Mentor America believes every young person has potential—and that with consistent, culturally relevant support, they can overcome their circumstances, reimagine their future, and become leaders in their communities. Who We Serve We work with youth between the ages of 11 and 24, with a special focus on: Black and Latino boys and girls from under-resourced neighborhoods Youth involved with the juvenile justice or foster care system Those facing chronic absenteeism, housing instability, or academic failure Youth impacted by gun violence, trauma, and community disinvestment Teens and young adults at risk of not completing school or becoming disconnected from employment We serve an average of 100–150 youth annually and have built deep relationships with local schools, shelters, churches, and justice system partners to engage hard-to-reach youth. What We Do Mentor America offers year-round programming delivered after school, on weekends, and during the summer. Our work is built on five interconnected pillars: 1. Mentorship Each youth is matched with a dedicated mentor who provides consistent guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Mentors meet with youth weekly to offer emotional support, help set personal goals, and model positive behavior. All mentors are trained in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and cultural competency. 2. Academic and Life Skills Support We provide tutoring, homework help, and a structured curriculum focused on personal development. Workshops cover conflict resolution, communication, goal-setting, emotional regulation, hygiene, time management, and decision-making—skills essential for school success and adulthood. 3. Mental Health and Wellness Our licensed mental health professionals offer weekly group and one-on-one sessions focused on emotional wellness, coping with trauma, stress reduction, grief, anxiety, and mindfulness. Our wellness approach is culturally responsive and grounded in building trust and emotional safety. 4. Workforce Development and Financial Literacy Older youth participate in job readiness programs including resume building, interview prep, professional etiquette, and workplace communication. In partnership with Fifth Third Bank and local businesses, we provide financial literacy training and connect youth to internships and employment opportunities. 5. Civic Engagement and Leadership Development We encourage youth to become active agents of change. Our youth councils, journaling projects, service learning initiatives, and field trips to places like the state capitol or D.C. help youth find their voice, understand their rights, and build civic awareness. Special Initiatives The Phoenix Project: A violence prevention and emotional healing curriculum tailored to youth who have experienced trauma, incarceration, or violence. STEM & Arts Integration: We incorporate science experiments, technology access (e.g., Chromebooks, coding kits), poetry, and visual arts as creative tools for learning and healing. Field Trips & Cultural Exposure: We provide youth with transformative experiences outside their neighborhoods—museums, theaters, universities, and leadership conferences—to widen their worldview. Our Impact Mentor America measures success through both qualitative and quantitative outcomes: 70% of participants improve or maintain their GPA 85% report increased confidence and emotional regulation 60% of justice-involved youth avoid reoffending within 12 months 90% of youth report feeling safe, heard, and supported in our program 75% of high school-aged youth are on track for graduation or GED completion Testimonials from participants, parents, and school partners consistently highlight the program’s role in reducing fights, improving attendance, reconnecting youth to school, and preventing further justice involvement. Partnerships and Community We actively partner with schools, churches, shelters, juvenile justice systems, mental health providers, local businesses, and other nonprofits. Our contractors include mental health professionals, youth trainers, civic educators, financial literacy coaches, and community organizers. Key collaborators include: Rainbow PUSH Coalition Daughters of Destiny Fifth Third Bank (financial literacy) Mission WT (mental health) Street Certified News (media and youth journalism) Sustainability and Funding Mentor America is supported through a mix of private grants, state funding, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. Key supporters have included: Illinois Department of Human Services (Youth Development + DVPI) PayPal Giving Fund StateFarm Foundation The Standard Charitable Foundation Costco Foundation ICON Theater Private donors and local business sponsors We aim to expand our funding base by continuing to seek multi-year philanthropic partnerships, private foundation support, and national grant opportunities focused on youth development, reentry, and violence prevention. Our Commitment Mentor America is committed to transparency, equity, and youth-centered programming. We maintain compliance with all federal and state laws, do not engage in lobbying, do not discriminate, and use funds solely for the purpose of charitable, non-religious programming. We welcome volunteers, corporate partners, and funders who believe that every young person—regardless of zip code, background, or past mistakes—deserves to be mentored, supported, and empowered to lead.