Mentor & Me Program

Ignite Connections with O.N.F.I.Y.A.'s

Mentor & Me Program

Mentor & Me Lunch Buddy program is designed to assist middle and high school students to support the school’s efforts in achieving its goal of improving at-risk students’ high truancy rate, lack of interest in academics, alcohol and drug awareness, and their family's disconnection from the school environment.

The objective is to be there for the student by helping them develop life skills and develop open communication in a positive way so they can build healthy relationships within their schools and communities. We will advocate, coach, and inspire them with the accomplishment of setting and reaching goals by providing the following programs:

Drop Out Prevention
Teenage Pregnancy Prevention
Drug & Crime Prevention

RISING STARS

Rising Stars focuses on youth between the ages of 13-17 who are at-risk junior secondary, senior secondary, and post-secondary school students that are affiliated with DJJ, DSS, Child warfare services, adoption agencies, group homes, etc.

GAME CHANGERS

Game Changers focuses on young adults between the ages of 18-20 who are having a hard time finding a job, homelessness, and/or lack of support from their community.

TRANSFORMERS

Transformers focuses on young adults between the ages of 21-25 who have succumbed to their circumstances by toxic environments, failed parental relationships, college dropouts, single parenting, and abusive encounters.

Building Relationships With

Our Mentor & Me Program

As a result of the programs mentioned, the participating schools should witness an increase in grades and academics, stronger student-teacher relationships, increased class participation, stronger peer relationships, and a decreased truancy rate. We expect our proposed solution to increase graduating rates for at-risk students by providing support for the community, parents and/or guardians, and resources to assist with the success of at-risk students. The developed program has proven to help schools stay ahead of an increase in dropout rates due to the lack of resources and support for those youth identified as at-risk students.

Our solution will enable participating schools the opportunity to foster positive relationships with at-risk students by prioritizing relationship building, communication, and providing a more supportive environment. Most importantly, we will support students through difficult transitions, stand in the gap between families and school activities, connect students and families with mental health and behavioral services, and bring in professional mentors to support staff and advocate on the student's behalf.

Become a mentor Become a mentee

Hear From Our

Mentors

Being a mentor with ONFIYA has been a wonderful learning experience for me. I ended up working with ONFIYA because I was interested in getting involved with volunteer work. I was going through a very dark time in my life where I felt like the only thing that could help me feel better about myself was helping other people, especially children. I am a private music lesson teacher for clarinet and bass clarinet, so kids mean a great deal to me. Once I was paired up with my mentee who had been growing up in the foster care system, I felt a little awkward in the beginning, as I am sure he did too. We did not know each other very well yet, but I could tell that he was a good kid with a good heart. Our relationship has grown an enormous amount since we first started communicating in September 2021 to the point where we now have some inside jokes, play video games together, and talk about things we both enjoy.
This experience with ONFIYA has been very eye-opening for me. As a white male in his 30s who came from a typical suburban conservative household, I wanted to know firsthand what it was like for someone else to grow up in a very different household. I wanted to know the challenges they faced, the feelings they felt, the worries they had, etc. Having gone through a full school year as a mentor with ONFIYA, I can comfortably say that I have a much better understanding of what it means to grow up in a less fortunate situation and how I can help that other person. If someone is looking for a new challenge that will have truly rewarding experience, being a mentor for an at-risk youth who needs love and care will provide a renewed appreciation for life and humanity.

Andrew Hamby

Mentor

ONIFYA is a wonderful team and I am happy to be with this program. I personally have witnessed them touch and help so many young people and families. The program is designed to slowly build relationships with your mentee. Originally, I had a hard time connecting and completing sessions with my mentee but after a couple of months, we had a complete turnaround. I trusted the process by following and teaching the monthly topics, attending/showing up for the mentee, and being there for her even when she struggled to connect. Mrs. Harris and Jessica have been great with assisting me every step of the way which helped me to feel like my efforts were noticed. Now my mentee and I have a great relationship and she even wants me to continue being her mentee after the program! I truly wouldn’t want to be a part of any other program!

Jen Drayton

My name is Carmelita and I’m from Cleveland, Ohio. Becoming A mentor has become so rewarding in my life. As me and my Mentee relationship grows we are also both growing individually with the help of each other. This experience I Greatly appreciate.The opportunity to make a difference in a kids life and work with O.N.F.I.Y.A who’s organization goes above and beyond for the youth and families is simply an honor. The passion and dedication they have is amazing and this experience is recommended!

Carmelita S

Sparking Connections For Our Future

Join Us For Exclusive Events!

O.N.F.I.Y.A. is currently building on Atlanta’s amazing community of disadvantaged youth, and the unwavering support backing them. What better way to celebrate our community than attending events together? Our events range from holiday gatherings, to celebrations and preparations, to annual events and more!

Upcoming Events