Mentorship Matters

The Cause

Cornerstone Youth Centre (CYC) is a grassroots, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth in grades 5-9 with essential life skills and nurturing relationships. Serving the Mayland Heights community, CYC provides vital support for families and youth facing economic challenges. We prioritize accessibility by offering our resources at no cost, alleviating financial burdens and creating a welcoming environment where families can thrive.

Our project, "Mentorship Matters", highlights the need of caring adult relationships in a young person's life. Youth are going through a significant transitional period in their lives where they face numerous challenges, including academic pressure, social dynamics, and personal growth development. This project aims to equip young individuals with the tools and resources to successfully navigate these complexities through life skills development, micro-interventions, and mentorship. By empowering youth to make informed, healthy decisions, our programs proactively cultivate resilience.

Programming is designed in line with the 40 Developmental Assets, a research-based framework by The Search Institute that identifies key assets for youth success. Our primary goal is to fill participants "tool belts" with essential skills and strategies, enabling them to thrive beyond the centre. We address critical areas such as communication skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving through structured programs and targeted interventions.

Mentorship Matters emphasizes the importance of one-on-one mentorship, connecting youth with a caring and supportive adult mentor who serves as a positive role model and guide. This one-on-one mentorship is vital for helping youth explore their personal HARD goals—Heartfelt, Animated, Required, and Difficult. Adolescents often seek to take risks and pursue their aspirations but may hesitate to seek support due to fear of judgment. By providing a safe and trusting environment, mentors encourage youth to embrace challenges and develop the confidence needed to achieve their goals, motivating them to recognize their abilities.

Through weekly mentorship sessions, youth receive personalized attention, encouragement, and practical advice to help them navigate their goals and the complexities of life. By fostering resilience and equipping youth with essential life skills, CYC is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive community where every individual has the opportunity to flourish.

Who Will it Benefit?

Mentorship Matters is designed to make a meaningful impact on youth and their families who face complex challenges. Our focus is on supporting young people in grades 5 to 9, many of whom identify as belonging to marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA2S+ youth and individuals from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

Our youth often encounter diverse mental health struggles, stress, and anxieties. These issues can be exacerbated by factors such as bullying, harassment, and academic pressures. Many young people experience low self-esteem and heightened anxiety, impacting their overall well-being and confidence. The pressures to succeed academically and socially can be overwhelming, further complicating their mental health.

Additionally, over the past few months, CYC has seen an increase in families struggling with financial burdens, which has significantly affected their ability to support their children's needs. The economic strain has made it difficult for these families to access necessary resources and provide the support their youth require. This financial difficulty not only impacts their access to resources but also their ability to instill crucial life skills within their family.

"Mentorship Matters" seeks to address these issues by offering free resources and support, thereby alleviating some of the financial pressures on these families. Our program provides essential life skills building, personalized mentoring, and therapeutic relationships. By focusing on the individual needs of the youth and the broader challenges faced by their families, our project aims to create a positive and lasting impact. We help youths navigate their mental health struggles, build essential life skills, and work towards their personal aspirations. At the same time, we support families by reducing financial barriers and helping them foster a nurturing environment for their children.

Ultimately, "Mentorship Matters" strives to empower young people to overcome their challenges and pursue their goals, while also supporting families in providing the necessary encouragement and resources. Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to foster resilience, confidence, and success in the lives of the youth we serve, ensuring they have the tools and support needed to achieve their aspirations.