THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Counselling announced today it needs volunteer mentors to help positively change the lives of young people. Twenty-five people are urgently needed to be mentors to youth for their upcoming CHOICES program.
The CHOICES program is designed specifically to provide youth aged 12-17 with healthy coping strategies. Mentors participate once a week for ten weeks, supporting youth in a group setting to think and act positively, and feel more confident to choose the right direction in life. Programs are offered in both school and community settings. Most importantly, it provides youth with an opportunity to talk openly about their concerns and worries in a safe environment.
People of diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, sexual orientation, gender identities are wanted to talk about and explore issues such as: self-respect, goal setting, decision-making, relationships, and social media.
“We cannot run the CHOICES program without volunteer mentors,” says Pia Heikkinen, CHOICES Coordinator. “We are looking for people from all walks of life who can give their time to our community’s youth for a few hours during the day or in the evening. It’s amazing to see how inspired the youth are after attending these sessions and how proud they are when they graduate the program.”
CHOICES programs will run during the following time periods:
- Tuesdays, October 2nd – December 4th
10:30 am – 1:00 pm (School Program)
- Wednesdays, October 3rd – December 5th
10:30 to 1:00 pm (School Program)
- Thursdays, October 4th – December 6th
5:30 pm to 9:00 pm (Community Program).
CHOICES program mentors are provided with mandatory orientation and training prior to the program start. Volunteer mentors must be 19 years of age or older and be able to attend the one-day training Saturday, September 22nd, 9 am to 5 pm.
To apply today or for more information visit: http://www.tbaycounselling.com/volunteer/
