Youth Diversion Seeking Mentors

Jeff Green | May 22, 2014

Youth Diversion seeking mentors

By Jeff Green

Youth Diversion is a Kingston-based not-for-profit organization that works with youth, families and the community to assist youth to “develop and grow and realise their potential”, in the words of the agency’s website.

“Among the first programs we ever had going was the mentoring one. It requires volunteers who are willing to commit two to three hours a week for four to six months to spend with a young person between the ages of 11 and 17, and it has proven to be an effective program for a lot of people over the years,” said Jackie Franklin, the manager of volunteers for the agency.

She said that a number of youth in North, Central, and South Frontenac are now looking for mentors, which has led to a push for improved recruitment in the county.

“We provide lots of training and support for the volunteers in this program,” she said. “Volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in monthly workshops. They get hands-on experience working with at risk youth, and we also offer letters of reference for the volunteers.”

In addition to the mentoring program, Youth Diversion works in the community and in the schools to provide opportunities to help youth who experience difficulties to navigate through what can be a difficult few years in their lives.

Among its programs are a Youth Justice program and the KAIROS alcohol and addictions program, as well as SNAP, a program for youth who have been suspended from school, and the MEND program for conflict resolution within the schools, among others.

For further information about volunteering for the mentoring program or any other Youth Diversion activities, call Jackie Franklin at 613-548-4535 ext. 221, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.