Youth Connection makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (Mentors), and youth (Mentees) ages 6 through 18, throughout Venango, Forest, Clarion, and Eastern Crawford Counties.
Youth Connection operates under the belief that inherent in every youth is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people.
What matters most to the Mentees are not the activities. It is the fact that they have a caring adult in their lives. Because they have someone to confide in and to look up to, they will be more successful in school and at home. And at a time in their lives when even small choices can change the course of their future, their Mentor is there to help guide and support them.
Make a Connection today.
Becoming a mentor is one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things you will ever do. You have the opportunity to create a friendship that will change a youth’s life, while embarking on a life enriching experience. You will help shape a youth’s future by empowering them to achieve. You and your mentee can share the kinds of activities you already like to do:
- Play catch
- Go on a hike
- Explore the bike trail
- Eat a pizza with extra cheese
- Give some advice and inspiration
Changing perspectives. Changing lives.
What matters most to the Mentees are not the activities. It is the fact that they have a caring adult in their lives. Because they have someone to confide in and to look up to, they will be more successful in school and at home. And at a time in their lives when even small choices can change the course of their future, their Mentor is there to help guide and support them.
Make a donation. It’s an investment in a child’s future.
When you donate to Youth Connection, you join our cause and directly support children in your community. No matter the amount, your donation can make a difference in the lives of young people around you.
Your funding helps us provide our programs and services throughout Venango, Forest, Clarion and Eastern Crawford Counties – in your local community. Your financial support can help us to recruit new Mentors, provide training materials and support for staff and volunteers, enable ongoing supervision and Match support for every Mentor, Mentee and their family, and provide cultural and social activities to youth who would otherwise miss the opportunity to participate.
Join our Advisory Committee.
Donate your time, talents, and ideas! We are looking for individuals who support our Mission, have strong ties to the community, and a willingness to demonstrate philanthropy, integrity, and enthusiasm for helping local youth thrive.
Many thanks to our Advisory Committee for their ongoing support:
Dr. David Wagner, President
Vicky London, Vice President
Amariliz Sanchez, Secretary, Representative to the Governing Board
Josh Botts
Linda Mackintosh
Gilbert Rivera
Shannon Kerr
Participate in a Fundraiser.
Support a great cause and have a good time doing it.
Watch for information for our 2024 fundraisers in Venango and Crawford Counties!
Lottery Calendar sales begin in the fall.
The NQMS – National Quality Mentoring System badge was awarded to our program by the Mentoring Partnership of Southwest Pennsylvania.
This means that Youth Connection is recognized as a high-quality mentoring program that is adhering to standards and procedures to ensure a safe and effective mentoring program within our community.
Youth Connection is a partner of the Mentoring Partnership of Southwest Pennsylvania. The Mentoring Partnership of Southwest Pennsylvania is an affiliate of MENTOR The National Mentoring Partnership. MENTOR was founded in 1990 to assist mentoring programs across the country to provide safe effective services to youth who desperately needed and wanted a mentor.
Youth Connection adheres to the Benchmarks of the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring to ensure child safety and program effectiveness.
Mentoring Eligibility
- Volunteers must be 18 years of age and no longer enrolled in high school.
- Must have reliable transportation and proof of valid liability insurance, if they are driving the youth.
- Commit to a match for at least 12 months.
- Complete the enrollment process in order to be accepted into the program, which includes: volunteer orientation, positive references, in-person interview, layered background checks, signed program policies, release of information form (if needed), counseling report (if needed).
Mentee Eligibility
- Youth must reside in Clarion, Venango, Forest, or Eastern Crawford Counties.
- Youth must be at least 6 years old and can be matched until graduation from high school.
- Both the youth and parent must be open to forming a relationship with the volunteer.
- If the youth comes from a family with shared custody, both parents must be in approval of the program.
Volunteering just a few hours a month with a local youth will change their life forever!
If you would like to learn more about our program please contact Youth Connection at 814-676-9940 ext. 1228.
Eastern Crawford County residents can contact Youth Connection at 814-827-3472 ext. 101.