Positive influences are integral to children’s development and overall well-being. This is why youth mentoring programs are essential to many kids’ growth and happiness. Having a support system kids know they can rely on allows them to flourish and become their best selves.

“I think it’s a really important program not just for the kids but also for the adults because, I think, it helps kids and adults stay in touch,” says TrueNorth volunteer mentor, Cathy, about the importance of the program she’s seen through her mentorship with her mentee, Cora. “I think it’s just an extra level of fun and it’s maybe nice sometimes to have somebody to talk to who’s like a third party but cares about you.”

Read below to learn about the need for mentoring programs, types of programs and their impacts and how you can step in and support the next generation.

Need for Youth Mentoring Programs

Many kids are in need of positive role models. According to MENTOR’s study, “Who Mentored You?,” by Micheal Garringer and Chelsea Benning, about 1.8 mil­lion young adults ages 18 to 24 nationwide ​“not only didn’t have a men­tor but couldn’t nom­i­nate any­one they felt was a mean­ing­ful per­son in their lives.” Garringer and Benning define a meaningful person in their study as “anyone with whom you spent time or who did a lot of good things for you, not including your immediate family or people that lived inside your home.” This definition was included in the study to ensure participants in the survey would include relationships outside their family that impacted them if they would not have initially described that person as a mentor. The study illustrates the need for mentoring nationwide to help ensure every child has a meaningful, supportive person in their life.

Michigan’s Need

In Michigan, there has been an increase in youth with mentors over the past few years, whether through a program or informally matched in the community. According to the Kids Count Data Center, funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, in 2022 to 2023, 94% of youth ages 14 to 17 report they had at least one mentor in the community who provides guidance. This statistic represents “youth ages 14 to 17 whose parent reported that there is at least one adult outside the home, in the youth’s school, neighborhood or community who knows the youth well and who can be relied on for advice” as Kids Count notes. In contrast, in 2016 to 2017 only 89% reported the same thing. While these numbers seem high, there are some disparities in access to mentoring opportunities.

Garringer and Benning’s study also found that youth living in poverty or rural areas were less likely to have mentors than those in higher income households and urban communities. This shows the importance of having programs like TrueNorth Community Services’ TrueMentors program that serves Newaygo County youth where there are high percentages of kids living in poverty in the rural community. Keep reading to learn more about the types of youth mentoring programs available and how they support local kids.

Types of Youth Mentoring Programs

There are a variety of youth mentoring programs available in Michigan. For the purposes of this article, the types of programs TrueNorth Community Services offers will be discussed, including: Community-based, School-based and Outdoor-based mentoring. Each program type works to support local youths’ development, providing encouragement and enriching experiences to set kids up for success.

Providing opportunities to connect with mentors and peers is essential to helping kids grow into their best selves. This is seen in the article, “Adolescent connectedness: cornerstone for health and wellbeing,” by Robert W Blum, Joanna Lai, Michelle Martinez and Cassandra Jessee, as they discuss how youth programs that emphasize human connectedness are the most effective in supporting youth’s health and well-being. The article defines connectedness as “a sense of being cared for, supported, belonging and closeness with others that comes from protective and sustained relationships within families, schools and communities.” While each type of mentoring program has unique characteristics from the others, all three program types emphasize relationship-building and connection to fully support youth. Learn more about these programming characteristics below.

Community-based Mentoring

Community-based mentoring matches kids with volunteers from the community. With TrueNorth’s program, matches meet about four times each month and spend a minimum of eight hours monthly together. This helps kids quickly form strong relationships with their mentors. Not only do youth receive the support they need, but they also become more involved in their communities as mentors take them on new experiences.

Blum, Lai, Martinez and Jessee discuss in their article how youth experiencing stronger connections with their community helps their growth. They note, ”For adolescents, such community connectedness is influenced by the quality of youth-adult interactions, opportunities for meaningful input into community affairs, a sense of safety in the community and being welcome in public spaces.” Having another trusted adult kids know they can rely on helps strengthen both their feelings of community, especially when mentors show that community is a priority in their own life. Ultimately, these mentoring relationships provide the support kids need to grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Take a look at Cora’s story below to see how her mentorship has impacted her.

School-based Mentoring

School-based mentoring programs like TrueNorth’s TrueBlue Academy and Lions Together allow kids to build relationships with their peers and mentors. Having a supportive environment where youth can learn and practice interpersonal skills, explore career paths and learn more about their strengths and interests helps kids grow into caring, confident leaders.

In these programs, kids interact with others they may not have classes with, helping broaden their friendships and perspectives. In doing so, youth have stronger relationships along with good social and emotional health as Blum, Lai, Martinez and Jessee note in their article. Having the opportunity to meet with mentors and peers during the school day helps kids become more connected and successful at school. Check out Jace’s story below to learn how his time at TrueBlue Academy has helped him grow.

Outdoor-based Mentoring

Outdoor-based mentoring in programs like TrueNorth’s Parks in Focus program gives youth opportunities to connect with nature, peers and mentors. This program also teaches kids photography skills as participants go on outdoor outings and learn to become comfortable within nature, through the lens of a camera. For many kids, these are places they may otherwise not have the opportunity to go to such as Michigan State Parks and National Parks.

According to Danielle Cohen’s article, “Why Kids Need to Spend Time in Nature,” “kids who play outside are happier, better at paying attention and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.” Not only does spending time outdoors impact youth’s mental well-being, but it also gives them opportunities to be creative and build confidence. Pairing time outdoors with group mentoring allows kids to explore safely, knowing they have the support of their mentors and peers. See how Parks in Focus has encouraged and supported kids like Neveah below.

Support Youth Mentoring Programs to Enrich Lives

You can make a real impact in the lives of kids like Cora, Jace and Neveah. Whether you donate or volunteer, you can brighten the futures of area youth. See TrueNorth’s opportunities below to make a difference:

TrueNorth’s Mentoring Opportunities

TrueNorth offers a variety of mentoring opportunities to volunteer in and support as seen above:

• One-to-one mentoring relationships through Community Mentoring
• Connecting youth to the outdoors through Parks in Focus
• Mentoring at school through TrueBlue Academy and Lions Together

Volunteers are needed for each program to help guide and encourage local kids. You can provide the support youth need to live and thrive. Learn more about TrueMentors to see how you can help the next generation flourish.

Support Bowlapalooza and Make an Impact

TrueNorth Community Services is holding its fourth annual TrueNorth Day of Giving to support Michigan communities. This 24-hour fundraiser works to bring awareness to the needs of our neighbors, illustrating how we can join together to give a hand up to those in need.

In 2024, 80+ programs strengthened over 30,000 individuals in our communities. Keep reading to learn more about this impact and how you can help continue these essential supports.

Community Impacts

At TrueNorth, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to receive help, connect and give back. We provide a variety of programs and services aimed at moving our neighbors forward on their paths to self-sufficiency. Ultimately, our goal is to build and sustain vibrant communities where everyone thrives.

See a breakdown of our initiatives below to learn how we can work together to secure the well-being of our communities today and for years to come.

Housing and Energy Initiatives

According to James Krieger and Donna L Higgins’ article, “Housing and Health: Time Again for Public Health Action,” individuals that experience stable housing and energy resources maintain a better quality of life. Having these essentials greatly impacts community members’ well-being and the health of the community overall. Check out the immediate and long-term impacts below.

Immediate Impact:

• Households with stable housing and energy experience improved physical and mental well-being.
• People have secure access to cooking capabilities, proper medicine storage, necessary technology and home lighting.
• Individuals receiving rent and/or utility assistance avoid financial crises.
• People with secure housing will have less barriers when seeking employment.
• Housed individuals are less likely to be exposed to harmful situations than those who do not have housing.
• Children experience healthier development when stably housed with their parents.
• Households remain warm and safe.
• People that have their basic needs met are then able to take further steps towards self- sufficiency.

Long-Term Impact:

• Individuals and families experience a better quality of life.
• Households depend less on community resources for day-to-day life, allowing services to focus more on those in crisis.
• People remain in their homes and experience less upheaval throughout their lives.
• Households with stable housing and energy have more effective health recoveries and higher life expectancy.
• Communities that integrate a housing-first approach to homelessness spend less overall on housing assists.
• Housed individuals are more connected and invested in their communities.
• Communities with energy-efficient households are better stewards of earth’s resources.
• People will be able to prepare for unforeseen circumstances and live more sustainably.

Hunger Initiatives

When children and individuals do not have dependable access to nutritious food, their physical and mental well-being declines, according to Feeding America’s article, “Importance of Nutrition on Health in America.” Not only is food security essential to people’s health, but it also affects the community overall. See the impacts of food security below.

Immediate Impact:

• Children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially.
• Children maintain a healthy relationship with food.
• People have the nutrients necessary to prevent and manage mental health conditions.
• Workers have the sustenance needed to remain healthy and productive.
• Adults experience less health risk factors.
• Elderly adults maintain better health conditions.
• Families and individuals experience less financial stress.
• Community members reach higher levels of education and employment.

Long-Term Impact:

• Children succeed in school and transition well into adulthood.
• Children that start with healthy dietary patterns are more likely to continue them as adults.
• People experience a better quality of life through improved physical and mental health.
• Community businesses retain productive workers.
• Overall health care costs lessen for communities, businesses and individuals.
• Elderly adults remain independent sustainably.
• People with less financial stress support community businesses and causes.
• Community members increase their income over their lifetime due to further education and employment opportunities.

Youth Initiatives

The Family and Youth Services Bureau describes how youth can be set up for success through connection with “family support, caring adults, positive peer groups, a strong sense of self and self-esteem and involvement at school and in the community.” Focusing on these areas allows youth to grow into their best selves in a supportive environment. Take a look at the positive effects of youth development initiatives on communities below.

Immediate Impact:

• Youth experience a secure sense of belonging and a healthy mental state.
• Youth envision a positive future and develop a sense of purpose.
• Youth excel in educational and social experiences throughout their lives.
• Youth develop socially, mentally and educationally.
• Youth learn how to work with others by learning healthy communication and collaboration styles.
• Youth experience a healthier lifestyle due to education and prevention programs.
• Youth engage in creative thinking and problem solving that prepares them for their transition into adulthood.

Long-Term Impact:

• Youth who experience team-building and leadership programs have an increase in confidence, perseverance and responsibility.
• Youth mature into productive, well-rounded community leaders.
• Youth that instill healthy living practices continue them into adulthood, helping reduce lifelong healthcare costs.
• Youth become compassionate community leaders.
• Youth with healthy family systems continue that cycle as they become tomorrow’s parents.
• Youth who have quality educational experiences become skilled, employable adults.
• Youth who experience healthy relationships and communication habits as children continue the trend as adults.

Community Building Initiatives

Having safe, welcoming spaces and enriching opportunities creates a community that thrives. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who experience quality social connections experience better health and feel encouraged to give back to their community. See below how community building initiatives strengthen our neighbors and communities overall.

Immediate Impact:

• Community members maintain better physical and mental health when experiencing social connectedness.
• Volunteers experience higher levels of happiness and connection to the community.
• Volunteers multiply their impact on the community through their service and the cost savings they provide the nonprofits they engage with.
• People create local networks in their community to stay connected in community happenings.
• Individuals involved in the arts improve their personal well-being along with creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Community and individual social capital enhances.
• People become invested in solving community problems.
• Community members work together to solve community issues.

Long-Term Impact:

• People experiencing social connectedness have an increase of trust and resilience in their community.
• Volunteers maintain improved health and well-being while also increasing the well-being of the community through their service.
• Nonprofits integrate volunteers into the fabric of their organization.
• Communities with informed individuals have a higher success rate of reaching their goals.
• Communities integrating the arts experience an increased sense of belonging that sustains community cohesion.
• Community development increases human and economic assets.
• People experiencing high social connection have increased levels of self-esteem and empathy, creating confident, compassionate community leaders.

Support TrueNorth Day of Giving to Strengthen Our Neighbors

The 2025 TrueNorth Day of Giving fundraiser will take place on Tuesday, February 25. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to ensure everyone has access to the support and opportunities they need to live and thrive.

When you make a gift on TrueNorth Day of Giving, you are furthering our mission of inspiring hope and creating a better world. Not only will you be helping our neighbors improve their lives, but you will also let them know they live in a community that cares.

You can make a real difference. Your generosity will have a ripple effect as many who receive help later give back to those in similar situations. Make a kindhearted donation today and be confident you are making a meaningful impact.

Safe, affordable housing is essential for the health and well-being of Michigan communities. Unfortunately, in many rural areas, there is a general lack of housing options and even less that are accessible to low income families.

Keep reading to learn more about housing accessibility and affordability in rural Michigan, its impacts and how you can help our neighbors secure the housing they need to thrive.

Affordable Housing Accessibility in Rural Michigan

A Look at Rural Michigan

According to Michigan’s Roadmap to Rural Prosperity, created by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, “rural Michigan is home to 20 percent of the state’s population and comprises nearly 94 percent of the state’s land area, boasting tremendous natural resources that provide sustenance to residents, drive our economy, are culturally significant and offer endless outdoor recreational opportunities.” This brief overview illustrates the significance of Michigan’s rural areas and communities. While the majority of the state’s population lives in urban areas, Michigan’s rural communities remain integral to the state’s prosperity.

But, what does the term “rural” actually encompass? Michigan’s Roadmap to Rural Prosperity defines the term rural in three segments: “a deep connection to natural assets, being more geographically remote and smaller populations.” This definition shows the key characteristics of Michigan’s rural areas. Understanding these characteristics is integral to seeing the unique challenges these communities face.

Access to Affordable Housing

There has been a lack of affordable housing in both rural and urban Michigan communities. However, because of the nature of rural areas, these communities face unique challenges when it comes to finding housing.

Because urban communities hold more of Michigan’s population by a wide margin, there are more developments and housing options. While this logic makes sense, there are still disparities when it comes to finding affordable housing in rural communities. Even when accounting for a lower population density, there still is not enough housing in these communities.

The National Low Income Housing Coalition breaks down a few of Michigan’s housing realities in the image below:

These key facts highlight Michigan’s need for affordable rentals. Households who are extremely cost burdened spend more than half their income on housing, leaving little left to afford other necessities. These households are also at a higher risk for eviction as the National Low Income Housing Coalition explains. Unaffordable housing can lead to instability as residents struggle to stay in their homes or find housing they can afford. Low income rural renters face these risks as they work to secure safe housing that will help them move forward.

Rural Renting Challenges

Not only is it challenging to find available housing in rural communities, but there is also a lack of affordable housing. This is due to a number of factors such as residential construction lessening, household sizes shrinking, older residents aging in place and housing being converted to short-term and seasonal rentals as the Michigan Roadmap to Rural Prosperity describes.

The report goes on to explain how residential construction lessened after the 2008 recession, even with housing demands rising in rural areas. Household sizes have also been shrinking, which has not helped the need for more housing. The report says “with fewer people in each household, household growth continues even with a stagnant or declining population, and more homes are needed even for the same number of people.”

With many of the older residents choosing to age in place, there has been less housing turnover and availability overall as well. Plus, many rural areas have popular tourist attractions leading to year-round housing being transitioned into short-term rentals and seasonal properties. While the tourism revenue can help communities, the transitioning of these rentals does not help year-round residents looking for stable housing.

All of these challenges contribute to the housing needs in rural Michigan communities. Continue reading to learn more about the impacts of these factors.

Impact of Rural Renting Challenges

With the lack of rental availability and affordability, unfortunately, many people live in unsafe conditions because they cannot afford anything else. Safe housing is critical to people’s overall health and well-being. The National Center for Healthy Housing lists what makes a healthy environment in their article, “The Principles of a Healthy Home:”

• Dry
• Clean
• Pest-Free
• Ventilated
• Safe
• Contaminant-Free
• Maintained
• Thermally Controlled
• Accessible
• Affordable

All of these characteristics create a home where its residents can lead healthy, safe lives.

Not only are the physical characteristics of a rental important to residents’ health, but the affordability of the rental is also critical to their well-being. According to Opportunity Starts at Home’s fact sheet, “Healthcare Advocates Are Housing Advocates,” affordable housing is “a prescription for good health.” The fact sheet goes on to discuss how those whose rent is more than 30% of their income struggle to afford necessities such as food, transportation, childcare and healthcare. No one should have to decide between putting food on the table or paying rent. These impossible decisions have negative consequences on individuals’ health and well-being, making it even more challenging for them to move forward.

Unstable housing can negatively impact physical and mental health for children, adults and seniors. Children especially are impacted as housing instability leads to poor developmental outcomes that can impact them later on, as the fact sheet describes. Ultimately, healthy and stable housing is integral to individuals’ well-being.

Help Our Neighbors Find Safe and Affordable Housing

You can make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors. At TrueNorth Community Services, we believe everyone deserves to have dependable resources and live in safe environments. We meet the essential needs of our neighbors because all of our community members need help, safety and security to live and thrive.

How TrueNorth is Helping

Our Housing Resource Center meets people where they are to ensure they have safe, affordable housing. We offer self-sufficiency services alongside our housing support services to best set up our neighbors for long-term success. These housing support services include:

• Securing housing for those in crisis
• Assisting households to find safer, more affordable housing
• Helping low-income households remain in their homes
• Providing emergency home repairs
• Providing foreclosure prevention counseling and pre-purchase homebuyer coaching sessions

All of these services ultimately work to keep our neighbors healthy and safe in secure housing. Take a look at Alyssa’s story below to see how these services can change the lives of our neighbors.

Alyssa Secures Her Home with TrueNorth’s Support

For TrueNorth Housing Resource Center participant, Alyssa, receiving support and guidance from TrueNorth moved her and her family forward.

Alyssa first came to TrueNorth because she was unable to afford her rent. She worked part-time to give her time with her two children, but work had become inconsistent for her husband. With the day-to-day expenses combined with rent, Alyssa’s family did not have enough to stay afloat.

Thankfully, Alyssa came to TrueNorth and received rental assistance along with guidance from her caseworker. From creating a realistic budget and seeing where her money had been going to setting short-term and long-term goals, TrueNorth has given her the tools to become more self-sufficient.

During this time, Alyssa searched for a full-time job that fit into her children’s schedule. She eventually found a third-shift job that fit her family and financial goals. These pieces coming together helped relieve the stress Alyssa faced, allowing her to be more present with her family.

Alyssa says, “When you’re really stressed for money and financial stability like every other aspect of your life including like the relationships with people in your home and your children and everyone, it just seems like it can be too much. So now that I am at the point where we are like financially secure, I know that I have a paycheck coming that’s enough to like cover my bills and expenses…it’s easier to maintain.”

Now, being at the end of the program, Alyssa is confident about her family’s future. She has started her new job and is taking steps towards the goals she and her caseworker created.

“I have a plan to hopefully buy the house that we’re in now by next year and I feel like that’s attainable, versus fearing being evicted,” says Alyssa.“It really helps set me up and get me in the proper mindset to be able to go out and continue to do this every single day and keep those short term and long term goals.”

How You Can Offer a Hand Up

You can make a real difference in the lives of people like Alyssa. Whether you donate, volunteer or advocate for those in need, you can be confident you are impacting lives for a lifetime. Get involved with TrueNorth today to help strengthen our neighbors and communities.

Social health contributes greatly to a person’s overall well-being. While many see socialization as just a form of enjoyment, there are numerous health outcomes that can be linked to social connection. Rural communities especially need to focus on social health as people face unique challenges connecting with the community and each other. Keep reading to learn more about social health, the challenges in rural communities and how you can help improve the well-being of others.

What is Social Health?

Kasley Killam defines social health in her article, “What is Social Health?,” as “the aspect of overall well-being that stems from connection and community. It’s about having close bonds with family and friends, enjoying a sense of belonging to groups, and feeling supported, valued and loved.” While the term “social health” is fairly new, it has always been prevalent as it greatly impacts overall health and well-being.

There are a number of factors that contribute to social health and connection. From types of relationships and individual attributes to community and social norms, a person’s social health is shaped through a variety of these variables. See the figure below from “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, to learn more about what influences social connection.

Health Impacts

Many understand the importance of connection in regards to happiness and quality of life, but the significance also extends to health. Killam goes on to discuss in her article how social health can impact mental and physical health and even determines “how well we live and how long we live.”

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, “the effects of social connection, isolation, and loneliness on mortality are comparable, and in some cases greater, than those of many other risk factors.” These include health risks such as smoking, drinking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and even environmental risks like air pollution.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory goes on to discuss how having or not having good social well-being can influence health outcomes in areas such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, infectious diseases, cognitive function, depression, anxiety, suicidality and self-harm. This ultimately illustrates the importance of connection to others in regards to health and overall well-being.

Social Health in Rural Communities

Rural communities face unique challenges for social connection. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to loneliness, making it difficult to even identify individuals in need of more connection. Many who experience social isolation or loneliness do not see themselves in that light. Being able to help these individuals requires creative solutions to connect with and provide resources to improve their social health.

Jennifer Franklin and Carrie Henning-Smith discuss what other factors can influence social isolation and loneliness in rural communities in their article, “Approaching the Issue of Rural Social Isolation.” Many rural communities are spread out with residents living further away from neighbors, family and friends. Plus, with a lack of public transportation, it can be challenging for people to even leave their homes. A lack of access to technology and limited internet access can also negatively impact social health as Franklin and Henning-Smith note in their article. If people are unable to communicate over the phone or on the internet, it creates more obstacles for connection. This is especially the case for older adults who may not be familiar with certain technologies even if they have access to it.

However, while there are challenges in rural communities, there are still lots of opportunities for residents to build relationships. Understanding these challenges is essential to reaching out to those experiencing loneliness and social isolation in rural communities.

Impacts

Living in a rural community can also have benefits to social health. Smaller communities are typically close-knit and safer, helping residents form quality relationships with neighbors and other community members. Having social opportunities like TrueNorth’s Community Connections program and Volunteer Services are also essential to improving social health. See the two stories below to see how fostering relationships and renewing purpose can change lives.

How to Help Improve Social Health in Rural Michigan

There are a number of ways to help improve social health in rural Michigan. Whether it’s reaching out to those feeling isolated or supporting programs that work to boost connection, you can make an impact.

TrueNorth’s Social Health Initiatives

At TrueNorth Community Services, we believe that everyone deserves access to opportunities to receive help, connect and give back. Learn more about our social health initiatives below.

Community Connections

TrueNorth’s Community Connections program works to provide opportunities for all by creating safe spaces for people to connect with and serve the community. Community Connections is made up of caring individuals looking to form lasting relationships, share meaningful experiences and serve our community to help our neighbors thrive. With initiatives such as All Together, Community Friends and Coffee Connections, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved:

• All Together: This initiative brings people together through volunteerism and acts of kindness through special interest volunteer groups, such as Baking All Together and Knitting All Together.
• Community Friends: This initiative facilitates opportunities for community members to build relationships and engage in new experiences. From coming together to play cards at our Joker’s Wild group to going on seasonal day trips, there are a number of ways to connect with others and the surrounding area.
• Coffee Connections: This initiative provides opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships and engage with the community right from their apartment buildings. Residents at Newaygo County apartments meet on front lawns, in garages or in apartments, uniting neighbors who otherwise may not have the opportunity to meet.

To get involved or support Community Connections, contact Riley Knight at rknight@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 178.

Call & Connect

As one of TrueNorth’s Community Connections and volunteer initiatives, Call & Connect pairs volunteers with older adults in Newaygo County who would benefit from extra social connections. The goal of this initiative is to reach those experiencing isolation through kind words and encouragement.

For more information or to get involved with Call & Connect, please contact Charlie Forbes at cforbes@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 112.

Social health is integral to our neighbors’ and community’s well-being. By building relationships with those around you, you can greatly impact your own and others’ health. Make a real difference in the lives of people just like Renee and Diane when you get involved by donating or volunteering today.

January is National Mentoring Month–putting a spotlight on the importance of mentoring relationships. Youth need positive influences in their lives to succeed, and mentoring is a major part of their development.

Check out the rest of the article to learn more about National Mentoring Month, the importance and benefits of mentoring, youth mentoring stories and how you can get involved to ensure youth thrive.

What is National Mentoring Month?

National Mentoring Month aims to raise awareness of the importance of mentoring, recruit mentors and promote mentoring as a whole through celebrating meaningful mentor relationships. According to MENTOR, National Mentoring Month began in 2002 when “MENTOR and the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health created National Mentoring Month to amplify, encourage and strengthen mentorship for young people.” This movement puts a spotlight on mentoring, ultimately showing individuals and communities how one relationship can change a child’s life.

From holding awareness events to recruiting mentors and raising funds for mentoring programs, there are a number of ways to get involved and make a difference. Keep reading to learn more about the importance and benefits of mentoring and how you can support youth this January and beyond.

Importance of Youth Mentorships

Positive influences and role models are crucial for youth development and well-being. Unfortunately, there are many children and teens in need of mentorship. According to MENTOR’s study, “Who Mentored You?,” by Micheal Garringer and Chelsea Benning, about 1.8 mil­lion young adults ages 18 to 24 nationwide ​“not only didn’t have a men­tor but couldn’t nom­i­nate any­one that they felt was a mean­ing­ful per­son” in their lives. The study also found that youth living in poverty or rural areas were less likely to have mentors than those in higher income households and urban communities. This disparity of mentorship access shows the great need for mentors in low-income and rural communities.

Whether youth engage in mentoring through community programs or connect with a mentor informally, the most important part is having someone there providing support and guidance. Having a positive relationship with mentors helps provide youth with a sense of belonging and security. There are a number of benefits mentoring brings as seen below.

Benefits of Youth Mentorships

Youth with mentors experience life-long benefits from the relationship. Many mentors and mentees even stay connected as children grow into adulthood, continuing to influence and guide them as they navigate life changes.

According to youth.gov, youth who experience a mentoring relationship have:

• “Increased high school graduation rates
• Lower high school dropout rates
• Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
• Better attitudes about school
• Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
• Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
• Improved behavior, both at home and at school
• Stronger relationships with parents, teachers and peers
• Improved interpersonal skills”

All of these benefits set youth up for better quality of life through education, mental health well-being and social well-being. Mentors also can help provide new experiences youth otherwise may not have access to. This not only helps mentors and mentees bond, but it also helps youth grow outside their comfort zone and find new interests.

Mentors also experience benefits from their mentorships. Being able to see the world from a child’s perspective helps mentors gain a new perspective for the little things in life. Mentors also experience increased self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment as youth.gov explains. Knowing they are impacting someone else’s life provides a new sense of purpose, motivating mentors to continue to give their time to support their mentees.

Support Mentoring and Make a Difference

You can positively impact a child’s life. Whether you become a mentor, advocate for youth in need or donate to mentoring programs, you can help ensure all youth have access to vital mentoring programs.

January is National Mentoring Month, which is the perfect time to get involved. Learn more about the opportunities at TrueNorth Community Services to make a difference in your community this month and beyond.

TrueNorth’s Opportunities

At TrueNorth Community Services, we offer three mentoring initiatives in our TrueMentors program. Each program offers unique experiences for children who can participate in any or all of the programming opportunities listed below.

TrueBlue Academy

TrueBlue Academy is a partnership between TrueNorth Community Services, local school districts and police departments. This small group mentoring program provides learning and growth opportunities for students in Newaygo and White Cloud Public Schools.

TrueMentors’ Community Mentoring

For TrueMentors’ Community Mentoring, Newaygo County youth are matched with volunteer mentors in a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Matches are based on similar interests, geographic location and similar goals.

TrueMentors’ Parks in Focus

Parks in Focus is an outdoor-based group mentoring program run through TrueMentors with support from the Udall Foundation. Youth go on a variety of outdoor outings while they connect with nature through photography.

Seeing the impact mentoring programs like TrueMentors has on youth illustrates the importance of mentoring. You can impact lives for a lifetime when you become a mentor. From community mentoring to TrueBlue Academy and Parks in Focus, there are a number of opportunities for you to help area youth flourish. Get involved today to make a difference in the lives of youth just like Aiden, Kyrin and Danny.

With the New Year approaching, many people start thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. These can range from forming healthier habits to bucket list items. Volunteering is another great New Year’s resolution that will not only benefit you but will also impact your community.

Read below to learn more about the importance and benefits of volunteerism and what opportunities there are to get involved.

Importance of Volunteerism

Volunteering is one of the best hands on ways to make a difference in your community. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who struggle to put food on the table, find safe housing, keep warm and make ends meet. Giving your time through volunteerism can give the hand up our neighbors need to improve their lives for brighter futures.

Benefits of Volunteerism

Volunteering provides numerous benefits to the volunteer and their community. From finding purpose and improving personal health to helping community members in need, there are lots of reasons to add volunteering to your New Year’s resolutions list.

Benefits to the Volunteer

Volunteering provides physical, mental and social health benefits. These benefits are not contingent on the type of volunteering, so you can receive these benefits in whichever area you are passionate about.

Physical Health Benefits

Many volunteer activities encourage physical activity. Even just walking more throughout the day when you volunteer can have positive effects on your health. One of the greatest health impacts, however, comes from the social connections made by volunteering. Carnegie Mellon University discusses how quality social interactions can promote healthy aging, improve cardiovascular health and help reduce risks for negative health outcomes in their article, “Volunteering Reduces Risk of Hypertension In Older Adults, Carnegie Mellon Research Shows.” The act of volunteering with the addition of social connections helps those who volunteer improve their health and overall well-being.

Mental and Social Health Benefits

Volunteering also helps improve individuals’ mental and social health. Community Memorial Healthcare’s article, “Volunteering Is Good for Your Health,” explains how volunteering can help reduce chronic stress by being a positive outlet for daily stressors and worries while also reinforcing a sense of purpose. Plus, the added social interactions with other volunteers and workers aids in reducing loneliness and depression while increasing positive thinking, as Community Memorial Healthcare explains. Having a sense of purpose and community is crucial to individuals’ well-being, especially for older adults. Volunteering provides that sense of purpose many need and crave–ultimately improving individuals’ physical, mental and social well-being.

Benefits to the Community

Volunteering provides a number of benefits to the community as well. Of course, all of the positive health benefits discussed above will benefit individuals’ communities as their own well-being improves. Volunteering also impacts community members in need as they give individuals a hand up through their service. Volunteers are foundational to charities and nonprofits–helping more people receive resources and guidance through their generosity.

According to AmeriCorps’ survey, Volunteering and Civic Life in America Research Summary, “An estimated 23.2 percent of Americans or 60.7 million people formally volunteered with organizations between September 2020 and 2021. In total, these volunteers served an estimated 4.1 billion hours with an economic value of $122.9 billion.” This data only shows a glimpse of the impact volunteers have on their community as the greatest effects are seen in each life impacted by their service.

TrueNorth Community Services is greatly supported by volunteers. Check out the impact sheet below to see how volunteers are making a difference in their community.

Volunteer and Make an Impact this New Year

“I just highly encourage it [volunteering]. It’s just, to me, it’s a life-changing experience to be able to give back and help other people,” says Randy. You can make an impact on your community just like Randy when you choose to volunteer. Not only will you transform the lives of your neighbors in need, but you will also improve your own well-being in the process.

Take a look at TrueNorth’s volunteer opportunities below to see how you can help your neighbors and community.

TrueNorth’s Volunteer Opportunities

At TrueNorth, we have opportunities for all skill-sets and interests so you can find the best fit for you. Helping others can be as simple as being a smiling face in the Food Center, being a mentor to local youth, painting bowls, sorting toys or connecting with those who are isolated.

We have opportunities for Agency Support, Camp Newaygo, Community Connections, Hunger Prevention, Mentoring, Special Programs & Events among many others. See below to learn more about our Call & Connect program where you can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing social isolation.

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight: Call & Connect

Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community? The Call & Connect program is seeking compassionate volunteers to pair with older adults in Newaygo County who could benefit from extra social interaction. By offering a friendly phone call, you can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable companionship to seniors in need. Use TrueNorth issued mobile phones to connect with participants on a weekly basis.

Your time and kindness will brighten someone’s day. If you’re ready to make a meaningful connection, sign up to volunteer today!

For more information or to get involved with Call & Connect or any of TrueNorth’s other volunteer opportunities, please contact Charlie Forbes, TrueNorth’s Volunteer Hub Coordinator, at (231) 924-0641, ext. 112 or cforbes@truenorthservices.org.