Community Resources

Mentor Resources

Center for Evidenced Based Mentoring

The Center for Evidence-Based Mentoring is a collaboration between MENTOR and the University of Massachusetts-Boston led by leading mentoring researcher Dr. Jean Rhodes. The goal of the Center is to advance both the production and uptake of evidence-based practice in the field of youth mentoring. The Center accomplishes this goal through the production of research, the facilitation of collaborations, and the dissemination of evidence-based resources.

Starting Relationships Right - Aligning Participant Expectations

This resource seeks to avoid match challenges in the first place by ensuring that participant expectations for the mentoring experience are clarified before mentoring begins. Sample scripts and questions for staff to ask are provided.

National Bullying Prevention Center

Bullying touches so many lives. It often inspires the generous spirit in people who want to make a difference, support the cause, and change something that has happened to too many for too long. Every day, students, parents, schools, and community members ask us, “What can I do to help?” Every contribution — whether it’s hosting a community event, standing up for someone, or giving a donation to an organization that addresses bullying — makes a difference and changes lives.

CAP 4 Kids

Are you looking for reliable, up-to-date information about resources in the Columbus area for children and families? You’ve come to the right place! CAP4Kids will help you find community agencies that exist to improve the lives of children and families. The website is updated weekly.

Red Treehouse

This online resource supporting the physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of children and young adults, prenatal to age 25. The website helps families find resources, organizations and events to meet their specific needs and challenges. Users can customize profiles by location (counties within Ohio), age ranges and topics of interest. RedTreehouse.org is a collaborative effort of Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland and Ohio Family and Children First.

Mentee/Youth Resources

Community Resources

A list of resources for kids and families, put together by Franklin County Children Services

Programs for Youths and Teens

CAP4Kids has compiled a list of local programs that youth and teens can get involved with.

My Money

An online resource from the Financial Literacy and Education Commission to help kids and young adults learn money management, including saving, budgeting and more.

Wexner Center for the Arts Teen Programs

The Wexner Center’s education staff works in substantive and sustained partnerships with a variety of local community organizations and social service agencies that focus on the needs of teens and provide programs to teens who have a passion for art.

Homework Help

The Columbus Metropolitan Library system offers Homework Help Centers at all of their locations. These services are available for all K-12 students.

Columbus State Community College

The Upward Bound program at Columbus State Community College offers to help motivate and provide skills to high school students interested in pursuing a college education.

The Ohio State University

Established in 1965, the Upward Bound program offered by The Ohio State University helps to lay a strong academic and social foundation to help prepare students for college life and beyond.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a nonprofit organization that provides an online learning platform designed to help students excel in various areas of study.

Parent/Guardian Resources

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio

Big Brothers Big Sisters is leading the way in one-to-one mentoring in Central Ohio. Check out their website for more information on enrolling your child.

Local Food Resources

CAP4Kids has compiled this list of local food assistance options.

Homework Help

The Columbus Metropolitan Library system offers Homework Help Centers at all of their locations. These services are available for all K-12 students.

Parent Toolkit

This one-stop resource offers information about almost every aspect of your child's development, because healthy, successful children can excel in many areas.

Common Sense Media

Common Sense has been providing media recommendations for families since 2003. They offer age appropriate suggestions for movies, TV shows, books and more

CHAMPS - College & High School Aspiring Mothers Partnership for Success

CHAMPS pairs college single parent students and Columbus area high school teen girls & young women who are parenting or pregnant to empower them with knowledge through real-life examples.

CRIS - Community Refugee & Immigration Services

CRIS is an independent nonprofit organization serving the refugee and immigrant populations in Central Ohio. They offer a wide array of programs and services to facilitate sustained self-sufficiency and successful integration to the community.

Alvis

Alvis provides programs and services to help individuals and families who have become involved in the justice system, those in need of substance abuse treatment, and those facing the challenges of developmental disabilities.

Syntero

For over 40 years Syntero has provided compassionate, professional counseling services in Central Ohio.

HandsOn Central Ohio

HandsOn Central Ohio connects people, local resources, volunteers, and service organizations to opportunity; making it easier to access resources in ways the keep up with the increasing needs of our growing community.

Ohio Guidestone

Ohio Guidestone is one of the largest behavioral health agencies in the state and has been helping individuals reset their paths and restore their purpose through community counseling, substance use disorder treatment, workforce development training and much more.

LOOKING FOR A MENTOR?

Are you a parent, guardian, teacher, or caring adult to a young person who you feel could benefit from a mentor? Mentors are supportive individuals who build relationships with young people by offering them guidance, support, and encouragement to help cultivate positive and healthy development – many of the same things you do. Mentors are not meant to replace parents, guardians, or teachers, or to play the role of disciplinarians or decision makers. Rather, they become part of a team of caring adults to that young person. Mentors can help encourage positive choices, provide high self-esteem, support academic achievement and introduce new ideas.

FIND A MENTOR NOW