CLICK - SOY Mentoring Program

What is the SOY Mentoring Program?
Who Are Mentors?
Youth Participation
How can you get involved?

What is the SOY Mentoring Program?

The Mentoring program is about connecting LGBTTQ youth to safe, out, adult 'mentors' from the community.... Mentors are queer 'big brothers and sisters' who can help you explore questions about identity, sexuality and community. Mentors provide support; encouragement and a non-judgemental listening ear to talk about anything and everything going on in your life... family, school, friends relationships, etc.

Community Mentoring
Community Mentoring involves matching a youth with a safe, screened adult in a one to one relationship. Matches are based on the needs of the youth and shared interests and values. Mentors and youth spend time together on a regular basis (once a week or so) to:

• meet at a coffee shop/juice bar to hang out and talk
• go to a movie or a play in the community
• explore the city together
• cook and share a meal
• celebrate birthdays and holidays, etc.

  'Having that mentor in your back pocket, saying keep going, keep going, you can do it...if nobody else will believe in your dreams or what you hope to accomplish in your life your mentor will.'
  - matched youth

Monday Night Drop-In
Monday Night Drop-In is a weekly drop-in where adult mentors and youth create community together. It's a fun 'queer' space for socializing, relaxing and sharing a home cooked meal. We have movie nights, arts and recreational activities and special workshops and events. Youth are welcome to come check it out EVERY Monday night (including statutory holidays) from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at Sherbourne Health Centre, 2 ^nd floor, 333 Sherbourne Street. Contact Deb at 416-324-4180 ext. 3003 or email us at soydropin@sherbourne.on.ca

"Being queer and having people who really understand that...it's having that connection that makes me feel even better about who I am and what I've accomplished in my life"
- Monday Night Drop-in Youth

Housing Mentoring
Housing Mentoring is for youth who need a safe and affordable place to live where there is adult support. Youth are matched with adult mentors from the community who are able to provide housing. In some cases, youth may be paying all their own expenses, but getting support from the mentor in whose home they live. In other cases, the young person may be like a member of the mentor's family.

Non-Profit Housing Mentoring
We have secured a limited number of subsidized housing units in the non-profit housing sector. This housing is designated for youth who are matched with a community mentor and are in need of housing. *At this time the need for housing greatly exceeds the availability. We are working very hard to expand our housing pool.

Who Are Mentors?

Mentors are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or transgender (or gay-positive and trans-positive) adults, 26 years of age or older. Mentors come from a diversity of backgrounds and have varied life experiences, interests and skills . All mentors undergo a thorough orientation and screening process before they are accepted into the program. Mentors must agree to abide by program policies that clearly outline their role and responsibilities . Ongoing support and training are provided.

Youth Participation

SOY welcomes all youth who are 14-25 years of age, and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual or transgender or questioning. Youth may be living with their families, or be on their own. Some youth may be employed or in school, while others won't be. Youth who are HIV+ can also be matched with supportive, knowledgeable mentors.

How can you get involved?

If you are an adult 26 years or older who is interested in becoming a community or group mentor, or if you would like to provide housing for a young person, please call Leslie, the program co-ordinator at (416) 324-5082 or e-mail soymentoring@sherbourne.on.ca to begin the orientation and screening process.

If you are 14-25years old and interested in exploring the possibility of being matched with a mentor, call Leslie at (416) 324-5082 and arrange to meet with her. After that, you can decide if you want to go ahead or not. If you prefer, someone who knows you can make the initial call.