VOICE Mentor Program

VOICE Mentor Program VOICE matches caring community volunteers with students who may benefit from social, emotional or academic support.

On April 11, we received a mentor application that said:📝 “I am currently part of the VOICE Mentor Program, and I’ve bee...
05/01/2025

On April 11, we received a mentor application that said:
📝 “I am currently part of the VOICE Mentor Program, and I’ve been a mentee since second grade. I would love to help someone else by mentoring them and being a friend.”

And that’s just one example. 💙

Did you know?
✨ 8.5 million kids in the U.S. are growing up without a mentor.
✨ 79% of children with mentors are more likely to enroll in and plan for college.
✨ 86% of mentored youth want to become mentors themselves.
Mentorship doesn’t just change lives—it multiplies impact.

When you mentor one young person, you influence their goals, their confidence, and even their future relationships. That’s why VOICE exists.

📚 Sources: MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership, The Mentoring Effect (2014)

Our mentors are making a difference—one smile, one conversation, one breakthrough at a time. 🌟Every connection matters. ...
04/04/2025

Our mentors are making a difference—one smile, one conversation, one breakthrough at a time. 🌟
Every connection matters. Every moment counts. Want to make an impact?
Join the VOICE Mentor Program today. 💙 Link in the Bio

🌟 Mentorship Supports Resilience & HealingDid you know?Nationally, the average ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score...
04/01/2025

🌟 Mentorship Supports Resilience & Healing

Did you know?

Nationally, the average ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score is 1.61, but for foster children, it’s as high as 5.68.

Youth with higher ACE scores are more likely to face challenges in school, relationships, and overall well-being.

But there’s good news—MENTORING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. When mentors show up consistently, listen, and offer guidance, they help nurture resilience and hope. 💪🌱

At VOICE, we’re here to make that difference. 💙

✅️ Mentoring provides consistent, positive adult relationships that can buffer against the negative effects of ACEs.

✅️ A caring mentor helps youth develop resilience, confidence, and hope by offering guidance, emotional support, and a safe space to be heard.

✅️ Studies show that having even one stable, supportive relationship with a caring adult can make a huge difference. 💪✨

02/25/2025

It’s hard to find positive development that isn’t shaped by relationships. Young people need meaningful connections to discover who they are, develop their skills, and learn how to contribute to the world.

📌 8 Key Principles for Building Developmental Relationships:

✅ They are dynamic and multidimensional.
✅ They are the foundation of success, resilience, and well-being.
✅ Every young person should have opportunities to experience them.
✅ They are two-way interactions where both sides grow.
✅ The environment should support these connections.
✅ Their emphasis shifts according to different life stages.
✅ A healthy setting is key for them to thrive.
✅ They matter across all aspects of young people’s lives.

🔗 When we cultivate developmental relationships in education, family, and community, we create support networks that foster growth and success for every young person.

💡 How do you foster meaningful relationships in your environment? Share your experience in the comments.

📖 Based on Search Institute and its Developmental Relationships Framework.

Follow the next link to learn more about these key principals: https://blog.searchinstitute.org/8-guiding-principles-to-activate-developmental-relationships

11/14/2024

🌟 A Tip for Building Resilience in Youth 🌟

According to the Search Institute, young people’s development is rooted in relationships and the most common factor in helping young people develop resilience is: having at least one stable, supportive relationship with an adult. 💡

This relationship provides the emotional support and encouragement needed to help youth overcome challenges, build self-confidence, and keep moving forward in the face of adversity.

As mentors in the VOICE program, you are architects of resilience. By offering guidance, a listening ear, and a belief in their potential, you are making a lasting impact on the lives of the young people you mentor.

Here are some ways resilience is built:
✅ Express Care – let mentees know they matter
✅ Provide Support – Help mentees complete tasks and achieve goals
✅ Expand Possibilities – Connect mentees to ideas, people and places that broaden their world
✅ Challenge Growth – Challenge mentees to learn and grow
✅ Share Power – Engage in an environment of respect, inclusion and collaboration

As mentors, you’re helping your mentees check off all these boxes by providing that stable relationship that matters most. 🌱

🔑 Your support is the foundation they need to thrive - one session at a time.

11/12/2024

🌍 In the VOICE program, mentorship transcends language! 🌍

We have several matches where mentors and mentees communicate in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Urdu, and Japanese.

With over 30 languages spoken by our mentors, we celebrate the incredible diversity within our community, we foster a global network of support, encouragement, and learning.

In VOICE, language is never a barrier—it’s a bridge that connects us. Each mentoring relationship is an opportunity to learn from each other's unique experiences and cultures, creating an environment where everyone thrives. 🌐

Let’s celebrate the power of cross-cultural mentorship and the strength it brings to our community. 🌏

In the VOICE program, mentorship goes beyond words – it’s about connection, understanding, and growth, no matter the language spoken! 🌟

11/08/2024

The Power of Play in Mentoring 🌟

In the world of mentoring, games and play aren’t just fun activities—they're essential tools for fostering self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem in young people.

🤝 Strengthening Relationships: Playing games creates a relaxed atmosphere that fosters trust and rapport between mentors and mentees. When mentors join in the fun, it breaks down barriers and makes interactions feel more like friendly hangouts than formal sessions. This playful environment encourages open communication, allowing mentees to share their thoughts and feelings comfortably. The shared laughter and experiences build strong, lasting connections!

🎲 Boosting Confidence: Engaging in playful activities allows young people to step out of their comfort zones in a low-pressure environment. Whether it’s a team sport or a fun board game, each experience teaches them that trying new things is valuable. Each win (or even loss!) helps them develop resilience and a sense of accomplishment.

🗣️ Enhancing Communication: Play encourages open dialogue, making it easier for mentees to express themselves. The light-hearted nature of games creates an ideal setting for sharing thoughts and ideas, strengthening their voice and fostering self-expression.

📚 Facilitating Learning: Games can teach important skills and concepts in an enjoyable way. This makes learning engaging and memorable, helping mentees grasp new information effortlessly, all while having a great time!

💖 Promoting Emotional Well-Being: Laughter and play reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to a positive emotional state for both mentors and mentees. Celebrating small victories during play reinforces a positive self-image. This joyful interaction enhances overall well-being, fostering resilience and showing mentees that they are capable and worthy of success.

🤗 Encouraging Teamwork: Many games require collaboration, helping mentees develop social skills and learn the value of working together. They discover that success is often a team effort, building a sense of community.
By integrating play into mentoring sessions, mentors create a supportive environment that promotes growth and development. Let’s embrace the power of play!

Thanks to

Follow us for more inspiring stories, strategies, and insights into the power of play in mentoring!

11/06/2024

Check out this inspiring testimonial from a VOICE mentor about her journey with a mentee!

✨ “I'm so glad she hasn't outgrown needing a mentor and still wants to check in. I'm incredibly proud of how independent and confident she's become! It’s been a joy to watch her grow since we first started meeting in 2nd grade.” ✨

As program coordinators, we’re thrilled to see the lasting impact of mentoring relationships!
It’s truly inspiring to witness a remarkable mentee who continues to seek growth and connection even after all these years.

Follow us to inspire your week with more heartwarming stories.

🌟 Incredible Mentorship Knows No Age Barrier! 🌟Mentorship is a powerful experience that transcends age, fostering connec...
11/01/2024

🌟 Incredible Mentorship Knows No Age Barrier! 🌟

Mentorship is a powerful experience that transcends age, fostering connections that enrich both mentors and mentees.

In our VOICE mentoring program, we celebrate this incredible diversity, with our youngest mentor being just 15 years old and our oldest an inspiring 95!

This remarkable range highlights how valuable insights and experiences can come from any generation.

Each mentor, regardless of age, plays a vital role in shaping the lives of their mentees. From fresh insights to timeless wisdom, the impact they make is profound.

Mentorship is not just a valuable experience for the youth; it enriches the lives of mentors as well, fostering connections that transcend generations.

Together, they create a vibrant community where learning and growth flourish across all ages.

Follow us to honor the transformative power of mentorship!

🌱 Mentoring relationships mirror the natural cycle of life! 🌱The journey of mentoring youth is dynamic, evolving through...
10/29/2024

🌱 Mentoring relationships mirror the natural cycle of life! 🌱

The journey of mentoring youth is dynamic, evolving through distinct stages that reflect growth, change, and connection. Let’s explore these powerful stages!

According to Gail Manza and Susan K. Patrick in The Mentor’s Field Guide, here are the six stages you might encounter:

Introductory Stage 🤝
Getting to know each other. This initial phase is all about building trust. Picture Sarah meeting her mentee, Alex, in the library. They share favorite subjects and discover a mutual love for science, laying a solid foundation.

Relationship-Building Stage 🌟
Solidifying your bond. As trust deepens, focus on collaboration. Imagine Sarah and Alex working on a science project, with Alex leading the topic choice, boosting his confidence.

Growth Stage 🌱
Encouraging development. This is where the magic happens! When Alex worries about exams, Sarah listens and helps him create a study plan. If sensitive topics arise, consult your program coordinator for support.

Maturation Stage 🌈
Understanding aspirations. You have a solid understanding of your mentee. Sarah and Alex discuss his dream of becoming an engineer and set achievable goals, like joining the robotics club.

Transition Stage 🚀
Changes are a natural part of life. As Alex faces new high school challenges, Sarah helps him develop strategies to adapt, ensuring he feels supported.

Closure 🌻
Empowering independence. As Alex approaches his last year of high school, he feels ready to navigate his future without a mentor. After discussing it with Sarah, he decides to close the mentorship, empowered by their lasting bond.

✨ Mentoring is a journey filled with rich experiences. Embrace each stage to create a transformative experience for both you and your mentee! ✨

🌟 Could volunteering be the key to a longer, healthier life? 🌟From the Chronicles of Evidence-Based Mentoring - May 30th...
10/04/2024

🌟 Could volunteering be the key to a longer, healthier life? 🌟

From the Chronicles of Evidence-Based Mentoring - May 30th, 2024, the answer is a resounding yes! Here are some compelling benefits identified across social, mental, and physical health domains:

🔹 Reduced Mortality: Engaging in volunteer work is consistently linked to lower mortality rates.
🔹 Improved Physical Functioning: Volunteers report enhanced physical activity and better self-reported health.
🔹 Psychological Benefits: Increased life satisfaction, reduced depression, enhanced self-efficacy, and a profound sense of purpose.
🔹 Social Benefits: Volunteering fosters greater social support, a sense of community, and enhanced social connectedness.

Factors that amplify these benefits include:

Age: Older adults often experience greater benefits due to a shift from work life and an increase in altruistic motivations.
Reflection and Altruism: Engaging in reflective practices and maintaining altruistic motivations lead to better outcomes.
Organizational Support: Feeling appreciated and supported by volunteer organizations not only enhances benefits but also helps protect against burnout.
Interestingly, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may derive even more benefits from volunteering.

Let’s harness the power of volunteering to uplift ourselves and our communities! 🌍💪

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Issaquah, WA
98027, 98029, 98075

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Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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