YMCA Looking for Mentors During National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring month and the Yakima YMCA Aspire program is hoping people will take time for a young person this new year.

Coordinator Tom Oliva says the program started 25 years ago as a way for adults to share their lives with kids in the community to help steer them in the right direction.

Oliva says there are about 125 mentors and 150 kids so more mentors are needed. He says the YMCA ia looking for adults with a heart for kids.

The Yakima YMCA is also partnering with the city gang free initiative group to help steer young people away from gang membership. They want to pair adults with kids at Garfield and Barge Lincoln schools and hold on-site activities to help steer kids away from gang membership.

People who would like to get involved with the program can contact the YMCA or check it out online at yakimaymca.org.