Reach & Rise®

Building brighter futures through connections.

Reach & Rise® is an evidence-based mentoring program that matches adult volunteer mentors with youth in our community. Through this program, we seek to provide youth with caring adult mentors who will walk alongside them as both friends and role models.

Build together. Grow together.

Reach & Rise provides group therapeutic mentorship to youth (ages 6-17) who face challenges such as decline in mental health, low self-esteem, and family or peer conflict.

This program is designed to build a better future for youth by helping them reach their full potential through the support of caring adults.

Upcoming sessions

The next session begins in spring 2026. The program will be held at these locations:

• Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School
• West Marion Elementary School
• West McDowell Middle School

To refer a youth, please fill out this form.

Youth Referral Form

Inspire a future. Become a mentor.

By sharing your time and guidance, you can help your mentees express feelings, have a positive outlook for the future, become more confident, and improve at school. You'll learn how to be a positive role model and gain a better perspective of the pressures and challenges that youth face.

As a volunteer mentor, you’ll be paired with another adult mentor to co-lead a small group of 6–8 youth in weekly sessions held at select YMCA afterschool sites.

You'll provide a positive and consistent relationship with a group of youth, helping to improve their self-esteem, decision-making skills, school performance, and interpersonal relationships. 

Learn more and apply to become a mentor here.

Mentor Application Form