Youth Mentoring Connection

Adriana looks much the same as she did when she was a mentee in our Paramount program years ago. Today, she is a mother and a professional working woman. A proud member of the “tiny but mighty club,” Adriana doesn’t let her size define her. When she applied to be a mentor in our Heroic program, we were thrilled. Adriana embraced the challenge of mentoring a quiet, shy young man who towers over her. She has pushed through awkward silences and encouraged him to find his voice and believe in himself.

There’s nothing better than seeing our mentees come back as mentors, providing the same support and unconditional positive regard they once received. We are incredibly grateful to witness this full circle of mentoring.

Don’t you want to mentor now?

📣 Reminder: Our Summer Youth Event is Just Around the Corner! 📣

Don't forget to join us for a fantastic time at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Park on August 9, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM!

📍 Location: 4100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90056

Get ready for:
💦 Water Balloon Fight
🍔🎲 Food & Games
🎶 Live Music

It’s going to be a blast, and we can’t wait to see you there! If you have any questions or need more details, contact Ken at [email protected] or call (323)-706-9967.

Mark your calendar and bring your friends! 🎉

Tomorrow is the big day!! 🌊✨ Paddle Out 2024 is set to take place at the beautiful Dockweiler Beach, Tower 49 (by the jetty).JOIN US!📅 Date: August 4th, 2024 🕒 Time: 10 AM - 2:30 PM 📍 Location: Dockweiler State Beach, Tower 49 Bring a memento for the ancestor shrine, whether it's a picture or an item that reminds you of your loved ones. Let's paddle out together and celebrate their legacy. 💙See you there!

🎉 Join Us for a Summer Youth Event! 🎉
Youth Mentoring Connection is hosting a fantastic Summer Youth Event at Kenneth Hahn Recreational Park on August 9, 2024, from 12 PM to 4 PM.

📍 Location: 4100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90056

✨ Activities Include:
Water Balloon Fight 💦
Food & Games 🍔🎲
Live Music 🎶

Interested? Reach out to Ken at [email protected] or call (323)-706-9967 for more details.

Don’t miss out on the fun! See you there! 🎉

Join us for Paddle Out 2024 to honor our ancestors! 🌊✨
🗓 Date: August 4th, 2024
🕒 Time: 10 AM - 2:30 PM
📍 Location: Dockweiler State Beach, Tower 49 (by the jetty)

Bring a memento for the ancestor shrine (picture or item that reminds you
of your ancestor) and be part of this beautiful tribute. All are welcome! 🙌

🌍🤝 Happy International Day of Friendship! 🤝🌍

Today, we’re celebrating the wonderful friendships formed through our mentoring programs. These connections build understanding and strengthen our community. 💙🌟

Here’s a snapshot of mentors and mentees inspiring and supporting each other. Friendship knows no bounds! 🌈💖

"Certain moments in our work feel almost too good to be true – like purchasing our dream home right across from the new SEED School, a completely free boarding school. It didn’t take long to form a partnership, and soon after the students moved in, we held our first Meet and Greet with the students and our first group of mentors. It always feels a bit like a first school dance until the ice-breakers help get the conversations started.

Being part of SEED and supporting these amazing young people and dedicated volunteers from all over LA is both an honor and a thrill. 🌟💙

"

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Kit Kat! 🎂🎉

Today we celebrate an amazing person with a big heart—our incredible Program Coordinator, Kit Kat! 🌟 Your dedication and passion for the youth at Youth Mentoring Connection inspire us all. You're always there, providing guidance, support, and endless encouragement. Your accomplishments are truly remarkable, and we can't wait to see the amazing impact you will continue to make on the world. Here's to another year of greatness, laughter, and love. Cheers to you, Kit Kat! 🥳✨

🌈✨ Celebrating International Non-Binary People’s Day! ✨🌈

Today, we honor and uplift our non-binary friends, family, and community members. Your experiences, identities, and stories enrich our world and make it a more vibrant, inclusive place. 💜💛

At Youth Mentoring Connection, we celebrate your courage, authenticity, and resilience. Let's continue to create spaces where everyone can be their true selves, free from judgment and full of love. 🌟💖

🎉🎊 Hooray for Kathline! 🎊🎉

We are celebrating our amazing grant wizard on her 3-year workiversary! Kathline works her magic behind the scenes, making sure we keep our doors open and our mission thriving. Her humor and lovable personality bring so much joy to our team! 🌟✨

Let's give a HUGE shoutout to Kathline for all her hard work and dedication. We’re beyond grateful to have her in the YMC family! 🙌💙

🎉 Mix, Mingle & Mentor! 🎉

Join us TODAY for the ultimate event where you can connect, socialize, and learn from experienced mentors about becoming a guiding force for youth!

📅 July 11, 6:00 PM
🏢 Kalaveras Silver Lake
📍 401 Silver Lake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Enjoy a fun evening with Youth Mentoring Connection staff and mentors! Learn about upcoming opportunities, enjoy delicious appetizers, and bring a friend to enter our raffle!

Whether you're eager to become involved with mentoring or looking to meet new, like-minded professionals, this event promises both great connections and a fun, social atmosphere!

Come prepared to share, listen, and grow - we can't wait to see you there!

RSVP: [email protected]

🌟

🌊🏄🏿‍♂️ Join Us in Supporting Youth Mentoring! 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

We're thrilled to announce the kickoff of our fundraiser for YMC's Stoked City Summer Surf Camp! 🌞🏖️

Despite surfing being a key part of Southern California culture, it has historically been out of reach for many Black & Brown Los Angeles youth. YMC is changing that by breaking barriers and holding a summer surf camp for youth from marginalized and underserved communities in LA.

Our program is more than just surfing; it builds community through ancient rituals, healing circles, and ends with a traditional Hawaiian Paddle Out ceremony to honor our ancestors.

Your support can make a difference! 🙌🏿🙌🏾🙌🏽

Donate Here! https://youthmentoring.app.neoncrm.com/forms/2024-stoked-city-summer-surf-fundraising-campaign

Volunteer as a surf mentor or explore other mentoring opportunities. No surfing experience? No problem! Contact Jorge Berlioz to get involved. [email protected]

As we honor this day let's ignite the power of mentorship to empower youth in achieving their dreams. Together, we're building a future filled with possibilities! 🇺🇸✨

"

We want to wish the incomparable Paulette Pantojas a year filled with all of the wonder, and happiness she deserves. A mother, a wife, a mentor, A BOSS, and a genuinely GOOD human - Paulette has championed us as a board member for years and we could not be more grateful.
YMC is a stronger organization because of your dedication. Our lives are richer because of you, and our future is filled with possibilities because you believe in us. Your humility keeps us grounded. Your bad jokes are embarrassing and irresistible. You are YMC forever. The love is real.

🌊🏄‍♂️ Stoked City Surf was a blast this past Sunday! Check out these amazing moments from our session. Whether you’re into surfing or just want to make a difference, we’re always looking for new mentors. No experience necessary! 🌟

Interested in joining us? Email Jorge at [email protected] to learn about surf mentoring or Dan at [email protected] for all other mentorship opportunities, training, and upcoming mentor networking events. Let’s make waves together! 🌊🤝

📸

Next week, take your lunch break with the Youth Mentoring Connection team! 🌟 Discover what makes mentoring with YMC so special and get the inside scoop on our exciting Summer programs.

🎉 Don’t miss out—RSVP now by emailing [email protected], and we’ll send you the private Zoom link.

Be a part of something extraordinary! 💬✨

🌟 Honoring Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom 🌟

Today, we commemorate Juneteenth, a day of profound significance in American history. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for equality and justice. This day is a celebration of resilience, freedom, and the enduring spirit of the Black community.

At Youth Mentoring Connection, we are dedicated to fostering a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, free from the chains of systemic oppression. We honor the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for freedom and continue to strive for a world where equality and justice are not just ideals but realities.

Let us remember that the fight for true liberation is ongoing. As we celebrate this historic day, we renew our commitment to empowering our youth, advocating for change, and dismantling systems of oppression. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future.

Join us in honoring Juneteenth and celebrating the strength and resilience of the Black community. Together, we stand for freedom, justice, and equality. ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽

THEY DID IT! Graduations never get boring at YMC. As a matter of fact they are the complete opposite - they are THE BEST THING EVER! YMC is so very proud of all of our Graduates and honored to be able to witness the tremendous growth and tenacity displayed by our graduating mentees. You are unstoppable! Give your gifts to the world - we will all be better because of you!

🌊🦈 Marvelous Monday Alert! 🦈🌊

What better way to kick off the week than reminiscing about yesterday’s epic surf session? Our new surf program has officially launched, and we couldn’t be more STOKED! 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️

No surf experience? No problem! We provide all the training you need, and lunch is on us. 🍔🌯 Join us and become a mentor – you'll not only catch some waves but also change the lives of our amazing youth. 🌟

Swipe through for some awesome pics from yesterday’s surf 🏄‍♂️ and check out our flyer for details on how to get involved!

Let’s make this Monday marvelous together. 💙

🎉🍊 Who loves orange soda? 🍊🎉

Join us in celebrating Kenneth, our newest team member at Youth Mentoring Connection and the incredible Urban Oasis Manager! 🌿✨

In the spirit of good humor, we're sharing a funny moment when Kenneth ordered an orange soda at a staff outing and got orange juice mixed with soda water instead! 😂🍹

Kenneth's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From overcoming personal challenges to achieving a Doctorate in Business Administration, he embodies resilience and dedication. As a passionate advocate for foster youth, he continues to make a significant impact through his work and unwavering commitment.

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, Kenneth! 🎂🥳 Drop your birthday wishes and show some love below! 🎈🎉

💚✨

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Malena! 🎂🎉

Today we’re celebrating the amazing Malena, our rockstar Office Manager at Youth Mentoring Connection! 🌟 She keeps our operations running smoothly and brings the heat as our resident hot sauce diva! 🌶️✨

When she’s not making magic happen at the office, she’s a proud cat mom to Esha, who occasionally graces us with her presence and secretly runs the show. 🐾❤️

Join us in wishing Malena the happiest of birthdays! Drop your wishes and share the love! 🥳🎈

💖🎉

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday, Jeffrey Teich! 🎂🎉

The YMC Family couldn’t miss celebrating you! We hope your birthday was as fantastic as you are. Thank you for the many years of service and dedication you've given to Youth Mentoring Connection as our Treasurer and long-time Board Member. Your commitment and support mean the world to us.

Here’s to more great years ahead and lots of laughs along the way! 🥳🎈

💖✨

🚨 Reminder! Tomorrow's the day! 🚨 Don't miss out on Mix, Mingle & Mentor at Bar Verde with YMC staff and mentors! 🍴 Enjoy appetizers, learn about mentoring opportunities, and enter our raffle if you bring a friend! 📅 June 4th, 6:00pm 🏢 Nordstrom @ Century City Mall. RSVP: [email protected]. See you there! 🌟

🌟🎉 Celebrating Jorge! 🎉🌟

This week is extra special because we're celebrating two amazing milestones with our very own Jorge! Not only is it his birthday, but it’s also his 2nd anniversary with Youth Mentoring Connection! 🎂🥳

Jorge is our incredible Program Lead Coordinator and the heart and soul of our surf mentoring program. 🌊🏄‍♂️ With his wisdom, kindness, and endless positivity, Jorge always has the perfect quote, fact, or saying to inspire us all.

Let's give a big shoutout to the man who makes every wave, both in the ocean and in life, a little easier to ride. 🌟

Drop your birthday wishes and share your favorite Jorge moments below! 🥰👇

🌊🎉