Frequently Asked Questions about
The Youth Light Foundation®, Inc.
What ages of youth does YLF serve?
We are committed to serving youth ages 5-20.
Where does mentoring take place, and how often?
Depending on the mentee's needs, we offer site based, animal-assisted
therapeutic mentoring, peer mentoring, group, community based, school
based, and 1:1 mentoring. Time spent between the mentee, and his/her
mentor is consistent, averaging a year. The mentor/mentee meet twice
a week, again, depending on the individual need, or desire. Actual
time together may be as minimal as 5 hours weekly, and as often
as 15 hours weekly.
Does YLF service a particular area of Connecticut?
YLF provides life coaching, and mentoring services to the entire
state of Connecticut. We are not limited to any particular region.
What type of mentoring organization is YLF?
We are a therapeutic, faith based organization. YLF, Inc. is a non-profit
organization under the catagory of a 501(c)3.
Is YLF a religious organization?
No. We are faith based, and spiritually founded. The concept of
religion vs. spirituality may be complimentary or contradictory,
something each individual has the right to decide for him or herself.
Religion is about a particular institutionalized or personal system
of beliefs and practices relating to the Divine, a set of strongly
held beliefs, values, and attitudes that somebody lives by. Spirituality
relates to the soul or spirit, usually in contrast to material things,
being connected by an affinity of the mind, spirit, or temperament.
When a mentee is carefully "matched" to a mentor, we consider,
and respect the individual set of beliefs, and support them along
the way.
What are the benefits of mentoring?
The advantages are many. In particular, mentees learn to make positive
choices, take constructive risks, and gain confidence. Youth in
our program are less likely to become involved in drugs or alcohol
abuse, violence, gangs, and general negative behaviors. It's amazing
to witness positive change in our youth, as they learn to develop,
and value healthy, nurturing relationships. Mentors also benefit
in many ways. They admit an increase in a greater understanding,
and empathy for youth.They gain a sense of appreciation for youth
of the same, and other races. Mentors often mention the positive
feeling of contributing by helping to prepare the workforce of the
future.
Does YLF serve "at-risk" kids?
We are proud to provide therapeutic mentoring to young people on
the brink of success. We see ourselves as part of the solution to
youth who are challenged with today's fast paced, and over stressed
society.