Community-based Mentoring

Community-based Mentoring is the core program of Champions of Youth, (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Decatur County). It’s all about one-on-one time spent with the volunteer/mentor (the Champion) and the young person (the Youth) doing things they enjoy. 

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With the help of a network of donors, partners, family members, and advocates, Champions of Youth carefully matches at-risk youths with caring, adult role models (Champions). These volunteers are 18 years or older and have gone through extensive background screening. Research has shown that children enrolled in one-on-one youth mentoring programs are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol.

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Our traditional community-based mentoring program boasts a 100% graduation rate from 2007-2017. Sometimes just having someone show interest in you is enough. We see positive changes almost immediately.

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Positive Outcomes for Youth

83.5% 

of youth in our Community- Based mentoring program...

73.4%

of youth in our School-Based programs...

maintained an average or above average score and in all three targeted areas

(educational-related success, avoidance of risky behaviors

and socio-emotional competency)

97.9% 

of youth in our Community- Based mentoring program...

96.6%

of youth in our School-Based programs...

maintained an average or

above average score or indicated improvement in the

area of socio-emotional competence 

94.5% 

of youth in our Community- Based mentoring program...

95.2%

of youth in our School-Based programs...

maintained an average or

above average score or indicated improvement in the

area of educational success

88.8% 

of youth in our Community- Based mentoring program...

83.4%

of youth in our School-Based programs...

maintained an average or

above average score or indicated improvement in the

area of avoidance of risky behaviors 

What does a Champion do?

Each Champion is matched with a Youth whom they meet with on a regular basis.  Champions provide support and encouragement to youths to overcome obstacles and reach their highest potential.  Each match is unique. Getting together doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activity—just a few hours every month doing things the Champion and Youth already enjoy.

Some of these activities include:

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• Shooting hoops 

• Playing a board game 

• Sharing a pizza 

• Taking a walk in the park 

• Or just hanging out and talking​

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The schedule can be flexible to meet the needs of the Champions and the Youth in different kinds of situations. Some Champions meet their Youth on the weekend or in the evening. Others get together with their Youth after school. There’s almost no one so busy that they can’t find a way to fit in a few hours a month.

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Ready to be a Champion?

Click the application below and email it to