About Y-NOW MENTORS

Studies show that children of prisoners are 7 times more likely to become incarcerated themselves one day. We believe these youth deserve a chance to become productive members of our community. We need your help to break the cycle.

Y-NOW, the mentoring component of YMCA Safe Place Services, is recruiting volunteers for their Children of Prisoners Program, which begins in September.

Y-NOW youth participants are 11-15, living in the Louisville metro area, with at least one incarcerated parent. The stigma of having a parent incarcerated means that these youth often feel shame, blame, fear, ridicule and embarrassment. They often struggle academically and have a difficult time trusting adults.

Volunteers support all phases of the Y-NOW program; however, our primary need is for folks to serve as mentors, listening and providing encouragement, support and stability so that these youth might begin to create a future that is distinctly different from the past. Volunteering with the Y-NOW program is a great way to gain insight into the lives of today's youth and to connect with people from all over our community.

No experience is necessary, just heart and commitment. Training is provided.