Mentor Florida Georgia

09/01/2026

We had the most wonderful experience leading AND learning alongside fellow mentoring programs, content experts, and practitioners last week at the Georgia After School and Youth Development Conference. Big thanks to our partners at GUIDE, Inc. & GTI and Georgia Afterschool Network for allowing MENTOR Florida | Georgia to come alongside as a coordinator of workshops that support mentoring practices—both within structured mentoring programs and across youth development organizations more broadly.

We covered a lot of ground thanks to our content expert partners from U.S. Soccer Foundation, Youth Voice Matters LLC, GOC COLLECTIVE INC, and Desiree Robertson — with sessions on youth power-sharing, creating meaningful spaces for girls of color, and infusing mentoring mindset into all youth development relationships.

If you attended this year’s Georgia ASYD Conference, comment below and tell us your key takeaways!

08/28/2026

Every young person deserves someone in their corner.

Whether you have an hour a week or years of experience to share, becoming a mentor
is one way to help open doors and expand opportunities for young people.

Explore mentoring opportunities in your community: https://mentorgeorgia.org/become-a-mentor/

08/27/2026

What happens next with Meta's $17.1 billion settlement will be decided by states across the country, including in Georgia and Florida.

As a member of the Fund IRL coalition, MENTOR Florida | Georgia is advocating to make sure these dollars are invested back into young people and their communities, supporting the spaces, opportunities, programs, and quality relationships they need to thrive.

Your voice can help. Join our mailing list to stay informed and take action with us in both Florida and Georgia: https://bit.ly/4gazAHw

Gaines: The conversation about social media and young people has been largely about what to take away. It’s time to talk about what to give kids.

08/26/2026

Opportunity grows through the people who believe in us.

In recognition of Women's Equality Day, we're celebrating the women whose
encouragement, leadership, and support have made a difference in the lives of young
people.

Tag a woman who has inspired you or helped shape your journey.

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Mentor Florida | Georgia Board Member Cathy Smith-Curry for her election as a delegate to the American Correctional Association (ACA). Cathy demonstrates daily dedication and commitment to young people's potential, especially when they are supported by mentors, through her role as the director of re-entry services for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Our partnership has been an important one as we work with Georgia DJJ to connect young people (and their families) with the supportive relationships that help them return to their communities and engage in positive behaviors after a criminal offense.

Congratulations to our DJJ team members for winning various roles in the American Correctional Association (ACA) general elections on August 1st. DJJ is proud of its employees who are making a difference in the field of corrections, both in Georgia and internationally.

08/17/2026

This National Nonprofit Day is a reminder that change starts close to home.

Every day, young people in Florida and Georgia are building confidence, discovering new opportunities, and forming meaningful relationships through mentoring.

Thank you to everyone who helps make that possible, particularly the nonprofit partners that partner with MENTOR Florida | Georgia, trust us for professional development and training, and connect us with others across the region. In 2024 and 2025, we provided training and capacity-building supports to more than 530 individuals from across more than 160 individual programs. Learn more or find a training opportunity by visiting our website: mentorgeorgia.org.

08/12/2026

Young people aren't just the future. They're leaders, creators, problem-solvers, and
changemakers today.

This International Youth Day, we're celebrating the voices, ideas, and experiences of
young people everywhere.

What's one thing a young person has taught you?

08/10/2026

Strong mentoring programs don't happen by accident. They happen by design.

With a new program year right around the corner, now is a great time to reflect on the practices that help mentoring relationships thrive. MENTOR's Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring™ provides research-informed guidance to help you strengthen your program and build a strong foundation for the year ahead.

🔗 https://eepm.mentoring.org

08/06/2026

This week, Leslie had the opportunity to meet with people and programs all over Florida—first at the Take Stock in Children Summit in Kissimmee, followed by a swing through Jacksonville to sit down with board member Dominic Cummings, plus representatives from Goodwill Industries of North Florida and the Northeast Florida Builders Association. The opportunities for learning and connection have gone both ways, informing our strategic priorities and forging partnerships that have the potential to strengthen communities in myriad ways.