YMCA ASPIRE

Yakima, WA

Our ASPIRE (Adult-Student Program to Inspire, Relate, and Enrich) program is a mentoring program that matches youth grades 2-8 with a caring adult mentor from the community. Our goal of the ASPIRE program is to bring adults and youth together in a lasting mentoring relationship.

Organization Details
Address
5 North Naches Ave Yakima, WA 98901
Phone
509.248.1202

Website

http://www.yakimaymca.org/mentor.htm

Program Emphasis

Emotional Growth,

Mentoring Location

Other specified site, School, Business,

Mentee Age Range

5 to 9 years old, 10 to 14 years old,

Going Above And Beyond

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Bella, Daisy and Jane

Jane volunteered to be a mentor to Bella (12) three years ago. On their first meeting Jane met Bella’s cousin, Daisy (11) and Jane could not resist being a mentor to both. A lot has changed since that first meeting. Bella, who had little if any interest in school is now excited about getting good grades and wants to become a teacher. Daisy is more outgoing and sure of herself. With Jane’s support and encouragement the girls enjoy participating in fun and creative and athletic activities.

More Than Just A Lunch Buddy

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Troy and Aaron

Troy and Aaron have been matched since 2005 through Yakima Family YMCA’s MCIP program. They have met for lunch almost every Friday for three years. On occasion they will play baseball in the park or go rollerblading or work on one of Troy’s school projects but both of them say it is their Friday lunches they look forward to most. Troy says “It feels cool to always have a friend around, someone to help you with problems, kind of like a big brother”. Troy’s mom has this to say about having Aaron mentor her son, “Its been good for Troy. It’s helped him a lot with his self-esteem.

Unconditional Support

TJ and Jeff

TJ and Jeff have been matched for over seven years. Seven and a half years ago TJ was shy and reserved but now he is mature and confident especially around his peers. He is interested in radio broadcasting and Jeff was able to help TJ get an internship with a local radio station which Jeff says has even improved his interest in school.