Youth Off The Streets is a non-denominational organisation working with young people who may be facing challenges around homelessness, drug dependency and/or recovering from abuse. We support these young people as they work to turn their lives around and overcome immense personal trauma such as neglect, physical, psychological and emotional abuse. Our mission is to help disconnected young people to discover greatness within, by engaging, supporting & providing opportunities to encourage & facilitate positive life choices. One of our most successful programs aimed at supporting young people develop important life skills is our Mentor program, where a mentee is matched with a responsible adult who acts as a positive and influential role model. The Mentoring program offers three different mentor streams of support for our young people, and we are currently recruiting enthusiastic and committed mentors to be trained up and matched.

National Scholarship Program • Celebrates the talents and strengths of young people who exhibit extraordinary promise, though who may lack the personal support networks and resources to reach their fullest potential • A two year program that provides recipients with personal and financial assistance • Recipients are matched with a Mentor, who plays an integral part in the program • Take the lead in supporting a mentee through an ongoing relationship, either face-to-face, via phone, text, email or e-technology

iDrive Mentor Program • Supervise and guide a young Learner driver in our fully insured car • Reinforce safe driving skills and ensure all road rules and regulations are followed • Provide constructive and positive praise and feedback • Assist their mentee with goal setting, problem solving and time management

General Mentor Program • Assists mentee with study skills and career goal setting • Plan and participate in activities with mentee • Provide non-judgemental, open-minded, respectful encouragement and support to their mentee • Encourages their mentee to explore new experiences and opportunities The mentor/mentee relationships formed across the three mentoring streams all focus on empowering young people to reach their full potential and build their self-esteem. Mentors act as a resource and guide, whilst drawing on their own life experiences to model desirable behaviours and qualities for their mentee.

Essential criteria for a mentor • Age requirement: 25 years or older • Sydney, NSW based • Good listening skills • Non-judgemental, respectful and empathetic • Tolerant and respectful of individual and cultural differences • Warm and approachable nature • Reliable, committed and patient • A current Working With Children Check number and a NSW Police Record check will be required All Youth Off The Streets mentors are fully trained, and are provided with ongoing support and feedback.

During the month of May, Youth Off The Streets will be providing online Mentor Information Sessions.