Potential is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.

Young people are natural dreamers, but not all youth are given the same access and opportunities to achieve those dreams. A caring and committed mentor can help a young person ignite their curiosities, solidify their passions, and leverage their talents.

More than ever, youth need supportive, committed mentors in their life who see, hear, and champion them. Mentoring relationships provide individualized attention and support, a primary component of pandemic recovery.

By increasing the quality and quantity of safe and effective mentoring relationships in places where young people live, learn, connect, and play, MENTOR Vermont helps address the inequities plaguing Vermont youth. At a time when research shows that loneliness and isolation are trending upwards, we know that relationships are powerful tools for significant change. They bring us together, help us to navigate our divides, and create a common purpose. Mentoring unites us.

Mission

Empowering youth by providing support and resources to the youth mentoring field in Vermont to strengthen the quality and broaden the reach of mentoring relationships in our communities.

Vision

We aim to close the mentoring gap and drive equity through quality mentoring relationships so every young person in Vermont has the supportive mentoring relationships they need to grow and thrive.

Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion

MENTOR Vermont is committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion for all. We embrace our differences and celebrate our common humanity in advancing awareness of the need for equity and the transformative power of supportive relationships for young people. We believe that varied perspectives, experiences, and opinions are central assets in our vision of every young person in Vermont having the supportive mentoring relationships to grow and thrive.

A photo collage of youth and mentors enjoying activities together

Our Work

We work to achieve our mission through the following focus areas:

Centering Quality
Identifying, promoting, and driving the implementation of evidence-based practices combined with community wisdom to increase the quality of mentoring relationships for Vermont’s young people.

Increasing Sustainable Investment
Building awareness and establishing meaningful partnerships with a diverse array of changemakers to share in the advancement of mentoring and secure the necessary funding for building mentoring capacity to meet community needs.

Enhancing Public Will
Motivating civic leaders, employers, and individual stakeholders to prioritize and participate in ensuring all young people have access to supportive mentoring relationships throughout Vermont.

Advancing the Mentoring Mindset
Supporting the effectiveness of new and existing youth mentoring models to broaden the reach and deepen the impact of youth mentoring throughout Vermont – ensuring more Vermonters are confident and effective mentors, more youth are engaged in quality relationships, and communities in Vermont are committed to youth mentoring.

Visit www.mentorvt.org to learn more.

MENTOR Vermont

Mission

Our Team

Emily Listowich

Chad Butt

Mary Rockwell Thon