Being in residential treatment can be a lonely experience for youth. One-to-one mentors provide companionship and support for Hillside youth who may not be able to see friends or family members as often as they would like. Mentors are paired with youth based on shared interests. Initial meetings take place at Hillside or Crestwood Children’s Center, where the pairs can work on hobbies, play games, and get to know each other. Eventually, they may be able to go off campus to the movies, the mall, or a local park.

Both the youth and mentors benefit from the relationship. “For kids, it’s so great to have a caring adult that isn’t your parent or caregiver. It’s such a joy,” explains Compeer Rochester President/Executive Director Dana Frame. “Mentors have an opportunity to open someone’s eyes by taking them to something they haven’t experienced before.” Hillside Volunteer Coordinator Heather VanDyne feels the mentor relationships are especially beneficial for Hillside and Crestwood youth because they don’t dissolve when the youth transitions back home or is discharged from Hillside’s care.

Compeer has worked with Hillside informally on mentor recruitment since the mid-1980s. In July, the two organizations entered into a formal partnership that will help provide mentors for more youth. “Compeer’s training is so above par, it made sense to formalize our partnership with them rather than try to develop our own training program,” Heather explains. According to Dana, “Compeer is thrilled with the Hillside collaboration. It benefits [Hillside] youth and ensures that we have enough mentors to help these youth who need them.”

Compeer provides extensive training and a matching process that helps ensure a positive relationship. Youth fill out a detailed form about their interests and what they’re looking for in a mentor. “We want every match to be successful and safe,” says Compeer Rochester President/Executive Director Dana Frame. “We also monitor mentoring relationships carefully to make sure we address any concerns and celebrate the successes. We want to develop a long-term relationship with our mentors.”

The partnership has already resulted in several matches for Hillside youth and several more potential mentors are undergoing screening and training. Hillside currently has more than 100 youth in residential treatment who could benefit from a mentor, so both organizations are actively recruiting more adults. Prospective mentors must be over the age of 19 and commit to spending time with a youth twice a month (a minimum of four hours total per month) for a period of at least one year. Male volunteers are especially needed.

For more information or to become a mentor, contact Heather VanDyne at (585) 224-1021 or hvandyne@hillside.com or Sara Passamonte, lead coordinator for youth services at Compeer, at (585) 546-8280 or spassamonte@compeer.org.