Being a City of Dreams mentor, you gain a new understanding of Bayview youth and the difficulties they face in an isolated neighborhood. You’ll gain a new perspective on the generational trauma they face and how it can follow them into adulthood. This perspective creates a stronger desire for mentors to make a change in Bayview youth.

Some mentors are parents, but most are not. Being a mentor helps adults grasp a deeper understanding of children, which can result in an improved relationship with their own children. Mentors also learn how to respect youths’ boundaries, build trust, and form long-lasting relationships.

Many mentors have reported a sense of personal fulfillment from watching their mentees grow and reach their goals as a result of their guidance. Mentoring allows adults to give something of themselves in a way that’s both selfless and deeply fulfilling.

We have a small community of mentors who meet quarterly to connect and share stories about their experiences with their mentees. This builds a bond between mentors with a common goal of making a difference in youth’s lives.

Building a meaningful connection with a mentor can help a mentee set healthy boundaries with adults while improving communication and interpersonal skills.

Many kids struggle to maintain healthy self-esteem and feel confident about themselves. A good mentoring relationship can help them see themselves accurately and recognize their strengths and accomplishments.

Research shows that youth with mentors are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol later in life. A caring relationship with an adult can help youth make healthier life choices.

Having a caring mentor helps a youth focus and maintain good grades, resulting in a higher graduation and college enrollment rate.