Centers for New Horizons

Founded in 1971, Centers for New Horizons, Inc. (Centers) is a nonprofit organization that assists children, youth, and families to become self-reliant. With 100+ full-time staff, most of whom live in or near its service communities, Centers provides programs in seven locations throughout the Bronzeville and Riverdale communities of Chicago's Southside that reach over 1,000 individuals daily.

Centers for New Horizons is seeking Part-Time Youth Mentors to support a Department of Family and Support Services-funded, community-based mentoring program serving youth ages 10–21 in Altgeld Gardens (Far South Side) and Bronzeville (Near South Side).

This program is part of a citywide upstream prevention model focused on building strong, consistent relationships between youth and caring adults. Through individualized mentoring, youth gain access to social capital, skill-building opportunities, and support for making healthy, informed life choices.

This is a part-time role (up to 20 hours/week) with a minimum 6-month commitment strongly encouraged to ensure continuity of relationships. Hours will be 2-6 PM, Monday through Friday.

Build Consistent 1:1 Mentoring Relationships

• Provide individual mentoring sessions at least 2 times per month (45120 minutes each)
• Build trusting, supportive relationships that center youth voice, choice, and interests
• Serve as a consistent, reliable adult presence in each participant’s life

Support Youth Growth & Development

• Focus on strengths, potential, and personal growth rather than deficits
• Help youth build confidence, decisionmaking skills, and a sense of belonging
• Support goalsetting, life skills development, and exposure to new opportunities
Facilitate Engagement & Enrichment
• Participate in quarterly group activities focused on wellness, academics/career, life skills, and cultural enrichment
• Create engaging, youthcentered experiences that foster connection and peer support
Promote Safety & Well-Being
• Maintain a safe, structured, and inclusive environment for all participants
• Follow all safety protocols, including communication guidelines, transportation policies, and mandated reporting requirements
• Identify and escalate any concerns related to youth safety or wellbeing
Maintain Communication & Documentation
• Track attendance, mentoring sessions, and participant engagement
• Document interactions and progress in accordance with program requirements
• Communicate regularly with program staff regarding participant updates and needs
Collaborate with Program Team
• Participate in trainings and ongoing coaching (including youth development, deescalation, and traumainformed practices)
• Work closely with staff to ensure strong mentormentee matches and address challenges if needed

What You Bring

Experience & Background
• Experience working with youth or young adults (ages 1021 preferred)
• Background in mentoring, education, social services, or communitybased programs is a plus
• Familiarity with or connection to South Side communities strongly preferred
Skills & Strengths
• Strong relationshipbuilding skills with the ability to connect authentically with youth
• Ability to engage youth in both oneonone and group settings
• Strong communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries while building trust
Personal Traits
• Patient, empathetic, and dependable
• Consistent and committed to showing up for youth
• Flexible, adaptable, and solutionsoriented
• Passionate about equity, youth development, and community impact