Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring - SEOYM

06/05/2026

Today we're celebrating our Program Coordinator, Kara Kowalski!

After nine months of learning, growing, and investing in her leadership development, Kara graduated from the Healthy Leadership, Healthy Organizations program through the Appalachian Children’s Coalition.

What makes this accomplishment especially meaningful is that Kara chose Southeast Ohio. She wasn't born and raised here, but she has invested herself in this community, built relationships, and made plans to build her future here. We need talented, caring people who are willing to put down roots and help strengthen our communities, and Kara is doing exactly that.

Over the past nine months, she has balanced this program while continuing to show up for our youth, mentors, families, schools, and community partners. And because she's Kara, she even squeezed in a stop at the Athens County Youth Summit today before jumping right back into the work.

At Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring, we believe strong communities are built through relationships, and strong organizations are built by people who are committed to learning and growing. We're proud of Kara for this accomplishment, grateful for everything she brings to our team, and excited to see where her leadership journey takes her next.

Please join us in congratulating her!

04/29/2026

As Bobcats and Buddies comes to a close, we asked our youth participants in the program to reflect on the program, what they liked and what they learned… here’s what they said.

Bobcats and Buddies is a program that pairs Ohio University Medical Students with local youth for friendship, fun and positive encouragement. Through shared activities and support, kids build confidence and connection. Bobcats and Buddies explores themes of wellness, and even a day of exploring the medical school.

04/09/2026

✨Program Spotlight: Youth in Leadership✨
My name is Hannah Granato, and I am a current social work intern with Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring:) Through my practicum, I’ve been honored to lead our Youth in Leadership (YIL) program, which has shown me firsthand just for how insightful, creative, and inspiring our youth truly are.

YIL is a 10-week program at Nelsonville-York Elementary, where Ohio University student teachers mentor 4th grade students. Each week, we focused on building confidence, self-expression, and positive self-worth through hands-on, meaningful activities. From creating “confidence boxes” (pictured in slide 5) filled with affirmations, to designing “emotion rainbows,” (pictured in slide 7) playing self-confidence bingo, and even tackling a mini escape room—every session was filled with growth, laughter, and connection.

Today marked our final session, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather ☀️ We celebrated by creating sidewalk chalk messages to spread positivity throughout the school. It was the perfect way to wrap up such a special experience.

I am incredibly proud of the dedication and heart that both our mentors and mentees brought every single Thursday. While it’s bittersweet to see this program come to an end, I’m hopeful that it made a lasting impact 🤍

04/09/2026

04/01/2026

Every mentoring relationship starts the same way.

One mentor.
One young person.
One commitment to show up consistently.

Over time, that consistency builds trust, confidence, and connection.

For 40 years, those relationships have helped young people across Southeast Ohio grow and thrive.

40 Years. 1 Match at a Time.

03/25/2026

For many students, EAST is more than just a program.

It’s a place where they are welcomed, supported, and surrounded by people who care.

Through consistent relationships and everyday interactions, young people build confidence and connection that carries with them beyond the program.

That’s the power of mentorship.

40 Years. 1 Match at a Time.

03/11/2026

03/06/2026

We just HAD to hop on this trend!! Dream team✨🤞🏻☺️

03/03/2026

From our wonderful woman-filled staff, Happy Women’s History Month! The power and resilience that Women hold is unmatched — shaping our communities, leading with compassion, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations every single day. Here’s to all the wonderful woman around the world🌷✨🪩☺️💖