What is the mission of the mentoring programs?

Sisters for Success and St. Joe’s Bros (our girls’ and boys’ programs, respectively) join in the broader mission of St. Joseph Center and our Family Center and Food Pantry Program to provide hope through empowerment. Our programs aim to create a supportive environment in which caring, enthusiastic role models foster nurturing relationships with low-income youth who benefit from the invaluable guidance of an adult. Sisters for Success and St. Joe’s Bros instill strong self-esteem and good communication skills that help propel participants towards reaching their life goals.

Who are the youth the programs serve?

Young men and women ages 12-17 from low-income families on the Westside of Los Angeles who would greatly benefit from empowerment and the encouragement of caring adults in our community.

How does being a mentor benefit you?

  • Enhance your communication and leadership skills
  • Enjoy the rewards inherent in a caring relationship
  • Experience the personal satisfaction that only comes through the act of giving
  • Increase your understanding and respect for people from various backgrounds
  • Experience for yourself how one person can make a difference
  • Feel like a part of your wider community
  • Develop new friendships and relationships
  • Give back to the community by sharing your special strengths and abilities
  • Personally help to create a positive lifelong outcome for a young person

What is expected of a mentor at St. Joseph Center?

  • Mentors commit to a minimum of one year in the program
  • Mentors have contact with their mentee at least once a week
  • Mentors participate in a group meeting and/or outing one time per month
  • Mentors are thoroughly screened for eligibility, including a fingerprint/criminal background check, interview process, and personal references
  • Mentors are trained on how to effectively fill their role in the mentor-mentee relationship

How do you become a mentor?
Call Tiana Rideout at (310) 396-6468 x326 for further information on becoming a mentor.