TIME for Me, or Trauma-Informed Mentoring for Excellence, is a program at Ryves Youth Center that matches girls and
boys ages 9-17 with approved Catholic Charities volunteer mentors.
The mentor-mentee relationship is fostered through weekly meetings, and all in-person meetings take place at Ryves
Youth Center. Research shows mentoring is not only a positive experience in a youth’s life but also improves academic
performance, builds confidence and decreases the likelihood to use drugs and alcohol. Mentored children are also
less likely to drop out of school or enter the juvenile justice system.
Thanks to a prestigious grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP),
TIME for Me at Ryves Youth Center fosters one-on-one
relationships on-site for one hour a week for 12 months.
Ryves group activities including Salsa Club, tutoring, story
time and Fun Food Fridays are offered to mentees.
Mentor Requirements:
• 21 years of age or older
• Interviews with Mentor Coordinator
• Submits volunteer application
• Background check
• Safe Parish online training
• Group interview involving mentor, mentee and parent
or guardian
• Completes Certification in Inclusive Mentoring Practices
through the National Disability Mentoring Coalition
(NDMC)
