Volunteer with Boulder County Community Justice Services’ Youth Mentoring Program

Boulder County, Colo.- Boulder County Community Justice Services is actively recruiting 16 volunteers in Boulder County to provide individual attention once a week to a young person aged 11-16. A one-year commitment is required after being matched with a youth mentee. A mandatory training at the Justice Center in Boulder will occur on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 8:30 a.m. to noon for interested volunteers.

Many tweens and teens are struggling especially now during the pandemic with feelings of isolation from friends, nervousness about a new school year starting, and uncertainty about the future. Many of these youth have very few stable adults in their lives; youth may be struggling with housing, school, family situations, or be involved in the juvenile justice system. Mentees are reaching out for connection, wanting to be heard, and needing attention from a dedicated, thoughtful adult.

Mentoring can be a rewarding and valuable experience for participants as well as the young person looking for a reliable, caring grownup. Help youth in the community navigate this turbulent time as a dedicated mentor!

Mentor Responsibilities

Once a volunteer is matched with a youth of the same gender, mentors meet one-on-one for two hours each week for a year (vacations/illnesses excepted), to be an active compassionate listener. Mentors play or watch sporting events, go for walks, share a meal together, participate in a craft project, or learn something new with mentees. Mentors serve as an advocate and solicit advice from Community Justice Services’ LCSW coordinator and give updates on activities and concerns. Pandemic restrictions and mandates are followed, and individual health and safety is a priority.

Eligibility Requirements

• Volunteers should be over 21 years of age.
• Volunteers need to possess a current Driver’s license, insurance and access to a vehicle.
• Volunteers must have no MIP/DUI/felony convictions in the past seven years.
• Volunteers will forego a required background check and fingerprinting.
• Volunteers are required to attend the training on Sept. 21 to participate in the program.

All genders, backgrounds, ethnicities are encouraged to apply. People with lived experience are encouraged to apply as a past record does not automatically exclude participants from contributing as a mentor. Each applicant is considered individually for their experience, talents, skills and commitment. Parents with children/teens at home are already considered mentors for their own children.

Training and Orientation

Volunteers who are vetted and approved by September 20, 2021 are required to attend the mandatory orientation to be held outdoors on Tuesday, September 21 at the Justice Center in Boulder. If mentors cannot attend, the next training will be in Spring of 2022.

The training will cover relationship building, psychology of mentoring, ideas for activities, reporting protocols, reimbursement procedures, diversity and inclusiveness subjects, and questions. A light breakfast and snacks will be available.

Registration and Information

For more information about the Youth Mentoring Program, visit bouldercounty.gov/safety/community-justice-services/community-services-youth-mentoring/.

To sign up and participate as a mentor, please contact Anne Brubacher, Youth Mentoring Program Coordinator at abrubacher@bouldercounty.org or at 720-656-8445 on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Applications will be accepted until end of day Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021.