About Youth Assisting Youth

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Who we are

Youth Assisting Youth grows the leaders of tomorrow through peer mentorship of at-risk and newcomer youth. For over 44 years, it has paired volunteer young adult mentors aged 16-29, with youth ages 6-15 to engage in activities to develop mind, body, character, and leadership skills. Our non-profit connects volunteers to meaningful mentorship experiences that profoundly impact the most vulnerable youth and their families in communities across Toronto and York Region areas.

400+

Mentors needed

1200

Active Mentors & Mentees

98%

Success Rate

1976

Founding Year

What we do matters

When you’re young, your friends have a big influence on you. They have a lot of say about the choices you make, what music and clothing you like, and the activities you do. By harnessing the power of friendship and support, youth-to-youth peer mentoring encourages healthy lifestyles and increases resiliency for kids who need guidance and a helping hand.

We service the City of Toronto and all communities within York Region to provide peer mentorship programs that empower young volunteer mentors who want to transform lives and make a real difference. They stand-up as role models, activity partners, friends, and help their mentees realize their full potential. Our volunteer mentors also go through their own transformations, developing leadership abilities, critical thinking skills and social skills to become outstanding professionals and members of their communities.

Since 1976, we have matched more than 5,000 youth in a 1:1 peer mentoring relationship. Our evidence-based, customized program uniquely recruits, assesses, and matches youth based on personality, interests, and location. We take the time to get the match right, and we also provide comprehensive training, 24-hour emergency support for our youth, and organize monthly group mentoring activities to bring our youth and mentor matches together.

What we do works

Our peer mentoring program works. Our kids do better in school, gain resiliency, build strengths and improve their mental health. They also stay out of trouble, improve their relationships, and many come back to be Youth Assisting Youth mentors themselves. There are many youth charities out there, but few carry over 44 years of proven successes and Best Practices.

We have a 98% percent success rate of keeping kids out of the criminal justice system and in school. But even with our successes, our need for volunteer mentors and additional support is still great. We have over 400 kids waiting to be matched with a mentor, and we need your help.

Our Programs

One-to-One Peer Mentoring

Youth Peer Mentors age 16-29 act as positive role models to help at-risk and newcomer kids age 6-15 reach their full potential. Program services City of Toronto and York Region.

Girls Empowerment Program

Girls (self-identified) meet over 10 weeks to learn new skills, gain confidence and discuss relevant issues, ranging from gender roles to healthy relationship.