Child Guidance Center Implements Youth Mentoring Program

To better help children and their families struggling with emotional or behavioral problems, the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut (CGC) will offer the Youth, Empowerment, & Support (YES) Mentoring Program starting in January 2017.

The YES Mentoring Program is for children, ages six to 18, who are involved in System of Care (SOC) in Stamford and Norwalk. CGC’s SOC program helps families meet the complex needs of seriously emotionally disturbed, abused, or neglected children. Through YES, youth enrolled in SOC will have the opportunity to interact and participate in fun, age-appropriate activities with a positive role model. While the volunteer role model spends quality time with the child/teen, parents will have some time to themselves.

“We are very excited to be offering this program,” said CGC’s President and CEO, Eliot Brenner, PhD. “The YES Mentoring Program will provide children with an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities and engage in positive relationships with members of our community, while giving parents some valuable self-care time. This program enhances the likelihood of positive outcomes from children struggling with mental and behavioral health concerns.”

The YES Mentoring Program is free for families enrolled in SOC. Each YES session lasts 12 weeks, and youth will meet with their mentor for three hours a week. Every mentor will complete a thorough interview, orientation, and background checks. The mentor and family will work together to develop a convenient schedule of enjoyable activities for the child.

CGC is currently seeking mentors for the  YES Program, which begins in January 2017.  If you would like to learn more about the YES Mentoring Program or would like to volunteer, please contact Sheila Figueroa at (203) 517-3346 or [email protected].