Mentor Programs

Who couldn’t benefit from having a mentor? The Chaffee County Mentors Program is committed to supporting the young people of our communities by connecting them to purpose, self-worth, and discovery through one-on-one mentoring relationships with positive and trusted adults.

Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders

The impact of a mentoring relationship for a young person is far-reaching and notably promotes leadership, volunteerism, and improved attendance at school, fostering the likelihood of becoming a mentor!

Mentors come from many backgrounds and life experiences and they find fulfillment in giving back to their communities by making a difference in the life of another.

Modeled after Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Chaffee County Mentors connects adult mentors with youth and serves as positive role models, supporters, and advocates. Youth are often referred by parents, teachers, counselors, social workers, youth-serving professionals, or through another favorite of ours, a self-referral. What awareness!

In order to be a participant, it is important that the youth wants to be a part of the program for at least one year.

Honestly, it’s hard for us to visualize a more noble pursuit. Being a mentor is an awesome responsibility and not surprisingly, we expect our mentors will have a genuine interest in young people, participate in pre-match screening and training, and commit to the program for at least one year.

Mentors and their mentees have the opportunity to participate in monthly group activities and other structured benefits throughout the Chaffee County area. In addition to mentors, volunteers are always needed to support group activities.

Eligibility And Details

Youth aged 7-18 are eligible for the program, and volunteer mentors must be at least 21.

It is of the utmost importance to us to put together the best matches possible. With this in mind, it is essential for us to have a diverse group of mentors that can be paired up with our equally diverse group of young people. You, the adult mentor, have precisely what we are looking for and that includes your personality, interests and even your quirks!

Age: 7-18

Location: High School

Eligibility: Any Salida Resident

What do matches do when they meet?

Matches have the ability to determine what they want to do when they meet, and it can vary from week to week. Some examples of match activities include; hiking, biking, cooking, baking, arts and crafts, fishing, stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, reading, watching movies, gardening, reading, lawn games, etc. You get the idea; the sky is the limit!
How often do matches meet?

Matches are encouraged to meet once a week for two to three hours on average.
How are Chaffee County Mentors funded?

Prevention work is important to our local government too, which therefore supports our program. Many of the dollars for program operations come from grants and community donations.
What if I’m a mentor and am going to be gone for a couple of weeks?

For prolonged time away, program staff can jump in and spend time with your mentee-remember, we like to think young people are fun to hang out with too! Also, thanks to technology, even when you are away for an extended time, you can still maintain contact.
How can I refer a teen to take one of the secondary prevention classes?

Contact James Fenwick at james.fenwick@state.co.us
How does a teen join the youth council in Salida or BV?

Simply come to one of the standing meetings 1x week at the Salida or Buena Vista High School - always accepting new members. Contact: Dibby Olson, dolson@chaffeecounty.org
How often does Youth In Action meet?

Once a week during the school year, Mondays in BV and Tuesdays in Salida
How is YIA funded?

Prevention work is important to our local government too, which therefore supports our program. Many of the dollars for program operations come from grants and community donations.
What does the program consist of?

The program is voluntary, but it requires your agreement to actively participate by establishing goals and working to achieve those goals. The case manager will assist by supporting your efforts and meeting on a regular basis to encourage and connect you with the resources you need to be successful.
Can my family participate without a referral?

No. Referrals are submitted to the program through Chaffee County Child Protection Services or other community organizations.