Youth Mentoring Program Needs More Volunteers to Meet Demand in Dubuque Area

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – A Dubuque organization that helps children build self-confidence is looking for more volunteers.

Hillcrest Family Services’ Mentor Dubuque program matches children with adults based on shared interests. In 2019, the program had nearly 100 mentors, but participation has since dropped to fewer than 30.

“COVID really put a strain on mentoring because people couldn’t meet in the community for safety reasons,” said Janae Schmitt, director of business development for Hillcrest Family Services. “Our community needs it so much. We know there’s a need, but it’s just getting the message out to people.”

Schmitt says the lack of volunteers means it takes longer to be matched with a mentor, like Anthony Hughes.

“I’ve enjoyed it so far,” Hughes said. “There have been a lot of people before me and there will be a lot of people after me. It’s always good to help young people and get to know them because from one generation to the next, you continue to help young people.”

Hughes, who began mentoring a third-grade boy about eight months ago, compares the role to having a little brother.

“As a mentor, I have to constantly check in with him, see if he wants to do anything or has plans for the weekend, how he’s feeling mentally and physically,” Hughes says. “It’s helped me to reach out to my family and talk to them, because they live six hours away from me.”

Individuals interested in becoming a mentor or mentee can find more information on the Hillcrest Family Services website.