The Funhouse Common’s mentor program is looking for youth mentors

Orcas youth need your help! As Orcas students head back to school this month and they need community members to step up more than ever. In the wake of the pandemic, The U.S. Surgeon General has determined that youth nationwide are experiencing a mental health crisis. By one measure in the Surgeon General’s report, more than 1 in 3 highschoolers reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, up 40% from a decade prior. Thankfully there is much that we as a community can do to help. 

Research consistently shows that supportive growth-focused relationships are one of the most effective ways to help youth strengthen their emotional and mental health. The Funhouse Commons’ Mentor Program pairs adult volunteers in the community with young people who could use an extra caring adult in their lives. Mentors are trained in how to listen and talk with young people, how to help them process their emotions, and how to help them think about and plan for their futures. Mentors and mentees hang out for an hour each week doing whatever the two of them choose. Local businesses have even chipped in and donated gift certificates to local eateries and amusements for mentors to enjoy with their mentees.