Since 2005, Rogue Valley Mentoring (formerly the Rose Circle Mentoring Network) has trained over 500 adults who have mentored over 2,000 youth in our valley; letting young people know that they are not alone. A caring and compassionate ear shows them that they matter, and they they are experts of their own experience.

Research tells us that close relationships with caring, competent adults foster resiliency and mitigates the effects of childhood trauma. By providing emotional support to young people using trauma-informed and strength-based approaches we encourage positive youth development.

This past year has looked different for all of us and we have experienced isolation. Youth in particular struggle developmentally as they work to formulate who they are without community to reflect back to them. Rogue Valley Mentoring continued to support our valley through 2020: Their one-to-one mentors found creative ways to spend time with their mentees through phone calls, online chess tournaments, reading books over Zoom, building a bike together, hiking, and mountain biking. Mentors also adapted: supporting youth through the loss of family members, becoming academic advocates and partners, remaining curious, and listening deeply. Mentors contacted teachers, made early morning calls to encourage youth to sign on for school, and worked to help a family receive wi-fi after the fire. 

A high school boy walking with his mentor said, “When I say the words to you, things slow down in my head, and I can see more clearly.”

Mentors cultivate resilience. 

At the end of this month, Rogue Valley Mentoring will be offering Mentoring Essentials Training on January 29th & 30th.  

Support Rogue Valley Mentoring when you round up your purchase at the register throughout the month of January!

To learn more about this organization or becoming a mentor, click here to visit their website