Focus Area: Youth Development

Grant Amount: $13,000

Located in Duluth. Mentor North was established in 2019 when it took over from a now-ended YWCA youth-based mentoring program. Mentor North offers one-on-one mentorship and community engagement. Mentor North is based in the Damiano Center, a full-service social service center in a low-income neighborhood of Duluth, and Damiano helps provide wrap-around services for the youth if they need it. It works closely with 2 area schools and has relationships with school counselors who help provide support to the youth.

Grant supports Mentor Duluth, a program that pairs children primarily ages 7-12 with caring adult mentors in safe, supportive one-on-one relationships that emphasize well-being and are intended to last at least one year. The program ensures children are paired with mentors who reflect their interests, needs, and identities. Intentional partnerships with local organizations offer enriching activities like art therapy, sports, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences.