Needs From: United Way of Metro Chicago

Be the reason a child smiles at lunch—become a Lunch Buddy and make a lasting impact through a simple, caring connection.Join us in helping kids build confidence, cope with challenges, and feel seen.Your presence can help a child feel safe, supported, and heard.If you can dedicate up to 6 hours/week during lunch hour (between 11;30-1:30), and meet the essential skills below, we are interested in you joining our team! Lunch buddies meet during the school year (August - May) and have all holidays and holiday weeks off. 
Key Skills for a Lunch Buddy VolunteerEmpathy and Compassion - Ability to listen without judgment and respond with kindness to children's emotions and needs.Patience - Willingness to take time to build trust and support children who may be shy, upset, or easily overwhelmed.Strong Communication Skills - Ability to engage in age-appropriate conversations and encourage children to express themselves.Discretion and Confidentiality - Respecting children's privacy while appropriately reporting concerns to staff.Playfulness and Encouragement - Engaging with children in a friendly, light-hearted way that encourages connection and builds self-esteem.

The Bridge's "Beyond the Bridge" program provides a mentoring opportunity for youth in our community ages 12-18 by matching the youth with caring adults who are interested in making positive impacts in the lives of the adolescents and teens.

The Bridge is currently looking for volunteer mentors to help us extend opportunities all youth who need us! As a mentor, you will be supporting youth from ages 12-18 with their goals to help them succeed. You will truly make a difference in someone's life. Mentors will be matched with a youth for 12-18 months and will meet with them for up to 2 hours per week. If the commitment to weekly mentoring is too much, join us for Thursday Teen Drop-In nights at the YMCA from 3-7pm where we will hang out, pal around, and provide guidance and support to youth who need us! Commitment is 2x/month for 2 hours/shift.

Mentors must be 21 years of age, must pass background checks and be willing to participate in a training program prior to mentoring the youth. Volunteers must have a desire to work with youth and an interest in mentoring.

Apply here: https://bridgeyouth.org/get-involved/mentoring/

Reduced risk of criminal activity and substance use