While we’re not recruiting for the Marines, we are recruiting mentors at Volunteers for Youth Justice! I hope this email finds you well. I’m hoping if you have room, you can put out the call for adult mentors for our GEMS and GENTS program. We have 15 kiddos ready to go, they just don’t have someone to mentor them yet. Can you help?

Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) is reaching out to the Shreveport-Bossier City community to recruit compassionate adult mentors for its GEMS and GENTS Mentoring Program. This program aims to support and guide youth, generally ranging from 13 to 18 years old, through mentorship, providing them with role models and positive influences during critical stages of their development.

Volunteers for Youth Justice has a pressing need for both male and female mentors. We currently have 15 young people who are awaiting mentors. VYJ seeks caring, committed individuals who can make a lasting difference in the lives of these young people by offering guidance, encouragement, and inspiration.

About the Program:

GEMS (Girls Empowered to Move Successfully) and GENTS (Gentlemen Excelling and Navigating Towards Success) was developed to meet the needs of the juvenile population, addressing factors that contribute to the increase in crime, such as poverty, low academic performance, teenage pregnancy, and single-parent homes. The program has expanded its scope to serve any youth who desires mentorship from a caring adult and is designed to support our mentees through educational workshops, cultural events, and community service projects.

Mentor Requirements:
1. Be at least 21 years old.
2. Communicate with their mentee weekly (via text or call).
3. Meet in person with their mentee at least twice monthly.
4. Complete Mandatory GEMS & GENTS pre-service training and ongoing in-service training.
5. Submit a Monthly Contact Log and, if applicable, a Mileage Reimbursement form.
6. Commit to being a mentor for one year.

Through regular meetings, mentors work with mentees to set and achieve goals, build self-confidence, and encourage responsible choices.

“Mentoring is a big job for both the mentor and the mentee, and it is our hope that the mentor gains a great experience of being able to be a positive role model and provide a positive outlook to our youth,” says Cammi Handy, VYJ Mentoring Coordinator. “Mentoring fosters skill development, boosts confidence, and helps mentees navigate challenges. It provides the opportunity for mentors to give back, refine leadership skills, and expand on their own perspectives.

The impact of mentoring extends far beyond individual growth; it has a ripple effect that benefits organizations, communities, and industries. Ultimately, mentoring ensures that valuable knowledge is passed down to future generations.”

How to Get Involved:

If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a mentor with the GEMS and GENTS programs, please contact Cammi Handy, Youth Programs Mentoring Coordinator, at (318) 425-4413 x105 or cammi.handy@vyjla.org. More information is also available on our website.

Your support can truly change the lives of young individuals in need of guidance and a positive role model. Join us in building a stronger, more connected community by becoming a mentor today.

About Volunteers for Youth Justice:

Volunteers for Youth Justice is a community-focused organization dedicated to providing a community caring for children, youth, and families in crisis. Through programs like GEMS and GENTS, VYJ empowers youth to reach their full potential and build a brighter future for northwest Louisiana and the Shreveport-Bossier City area.