Community Programs

Devotion Connection mentoring programs aims to provide all individuals facing adversity with a mentor that awakens them to new possibilities. Our mentoring programs are for all ages. Participants are introduced to the definition of mentoring and explore their motivations and expectations for the mentoring experience. Through group activities, mentors identify factors that have shaped their own lives and identities and those of their mentees, with particular attention given to generational differences. Mentors have opportunities to practice problem-solving strategies through role plays and generate ideas for activities that foster supportive relationships and help mentees meet academic, career, or other program-specific goals.

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We understand the impact of mentoring in the lives of youth as well. Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.

The mission of Devotion Connection’s Youth Alliance Mentoring Program (YAMP) is to provide free and comprehensive after school programs for students of diverse backgrounds. Our goal is to keep youth safe, while providing a nurturing environment that cultivates academic success, socio-emotional well-being, and community enrichment.

 

Students will strengthen their academic skills, receive several approaches to emotional management through such a pivotal time in development, and learn to collaborate with peers using appropriate interpersonal techniques. Devotion Connection will provide a secure setting that is stimulating, enjoyable, respectful of individuals and concepts; while simultaneously offering gratifying opportunities to holistically shape a well-rounded citizen.

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There is a growing significance in the need of organized after-school activities to promote positive youth development. The after school hours are quintessential for providing students with support for youth development and access to experiences that would otherwise be excluded from their school day. Several facets of organized after-school programs are linked to positive youth development; for example, supervision and guidance by unrelated adults, prosocial contact with peers, support for efficacy, opportunities for skill enhancement, and physical/psychological safety. Furthermore, participation in organized activities, notably those with an academic focus, can also supplement learning through school and provide targeted assistance to students who need more help than they can receive in the mainstream classroom or at home. 

We believe that all of our volunteers should ge plugged into a life group. Simply put, a life group is a group of friends (new and existing) who consistently get together with a purpose and are intentional about having spiritual conversations and following Christ.

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If this seems like a “flexible” definition, it is! Real community doesn’t always fit inside one set box. That’s why we’ve gone with the values approach. Whatever a group looks like, as long as we’re pursuing and living out our four values in one way or another, then it’s great! Our four values are our “bulls eye” for a healthy group; beyond that, get creative, seek God, and learn together. This means that as long as we’re being real with each other and living out Jesus’ teaching together, each group may look a little different, and that’s great!

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Life Groups are one way that we “do life together” at Devotion Connection. It’s tough to have deep relationships by merely attending our many outreaches and activities. That’s where life groups come in. Real relationships are built out of shared experiences: meals together, conversations, adventures, serving others together, being there for each other when a need arises, and creating memories together. As we follow Christ TOGETHER ‘iron sharpens iron’ friendships emerge and true discipleship takes place. It is more than just a community service activity. It is a way of life @ Devotion Connection.