Charity Service Since 1976
Charitable registration # 11930 7478 Rr0001
- 400+ Mentors needed
- 400+ Kids waiting to be matched
- 1200 Active Mentors & Mentees
- 98% Success Rate of Keeping Kids in School
Youth Assisting Youth (YAY) is dedicated to investing in the leaders of tomorrow and transforming the lives of at-risk and newcomer youth today, through the power of peer mentorship. For over 44 years YAY has matched volunteer youth mentors ages 16-29, with at-risk youth ages 6-15, to engage in mentoring activities that build resiliency, confidence, social skills and leadership abilities.
Our non-profit connects volunteers to enriching mentorship experiences that profoundly impact their lives, and the lives of the most vulnerable youth and their families across the City of Toronto and York Region.
Can’t participate in the 2020 YAY Move-a-Thon? You can still support a participant, team or the Move-a-Thon by making a secure donation!
To Sponsor a participant or team, click the Donate Direct button above and then click Search at the top right.
To make a donation in support of the Move-a-Thon and youth mentoring, click the Donate Direct button above and provide your information.
Tax Receipts are automatically generated for every donation of $20 or more.
Vision
What we want
All children and youth across Ontario will have access to a one-to-one peer mentor, helping them to overcome their barriers, reach higher and achieve more.
Mission
What We DO
Youth Assisting Youth is a voluntary community-based mentoring organization, committed to promoting the healthy growth and development of young people, strengthening families, and responding to the changing needs of the community.
History
What we Achieved
Over 44 years we’ve matched more than 5000 at-risk kids with a 1:1 youth mentor, with over 30,000 kids participating in our Group Mentoring Programs. And 98% of the kids that we’ve matched with a 1:1 youth mentor have gone on to graduate from high school.
WHY PEER MENTORING MATTERS
MENTAL HEALTH
1 in 5 children and youth in Ontario will experience a mental health issue. Yet 5 out of 6 of those kids will never receive treatment or support. Mentoring is proven through evidence-based research and evaluation to improve mental health and reduce the symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. (MDRC)
LEADERS OF TOMORROW
Mentors dedicate 150 hours over 1 year to support their mentee and help them overcome their barriers. But they also gain a lot from the experience themselves, including leadership abilities, critical thinking skills and a stronger resume. 85% of recruiters will overlook resume gaps if candidates have strong volunteer experience. (Deloitte)
STRENGTH & RESILIENCE
YAY's One-to-One Peer Mentoring Program is proven through evidence-based quantitative and qualitative evaluation to build resiliency in youth, as well as increasing emotional, social and behavioral strengths. 45% of youth with a mentor enroll in higher education vs. 26% of youth without a mentor. (CAMH)
MOVE For MENTORING
Your fundraising helps move 400 kids from our wait list into meaningful relationships – offline and online.