Learn to adapt in your community

Cultural Mentoring:

LLMS provides cultural mentoring services for participants' ages
7-25. The mentoring is provided by skilled adults from the community.

Fundamental to mentoring is the relationship that it develops -
its basis, it's strength - and the resulting trust between adult and youth. Personal relationships are premised on the importance of
the person, on demonstrating care for that person, on listening and learning about the youth, and on earning the right to be heard by spending consistent and quality time with that person. This type
of interaction builds trust, and trust is essential for establishing interpersonal influence and behavioral change. LLMS develops relationships with youth who have been alienated by meeting them on their own territory and ground - going to them rather than waiting for them to come on their own, going the extra mile, and defending and encouraging them when necessary. Once a relationship of trust has been established, then expectations and values can be instilled.

Mentors and mentored youth will have the opportunity to engage
in weekly activities together, such as meals, movies, and rec-
reational activities as a means of bonding and building trust.

Life Long Mentoring's approach is very much a hand's on approach,
generally involving a long term relationship between adult and youth.
Relying upon staff relational skills, experiential knowledge of the
communities in which these youth live. We seek additional resources
so that youth and their families can redirect their issues and concerns to the appropriate agencies. Having a good relationship with community organizations, elders, and a strong passionate commitment to these youth, staff are able to reach many youth who have not been reached by more traditional programs.

Referrals come from the juvenile court system, juvenile detention,
public schools, community agencies, human services, and parents.
Decisions about program participation are always made jointly
with the referring agency, parent, and Life Long Mentoring Staff.