Hillsides Youth Moving On

Established in 1913, Hillsides Residential Treatment Program provides loving care, therapeutic treatment, special education, family crisis intervention and children's rights advocacy for children suffering from abuse and mental illness. In 2005 Hillsides expanded its commitment to creating safe places for children by establishing Youth Moving On, a comprehensive residential program for young people who have emancipated from the foster care system.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• YMO offers volunteer opportunities for people who would like to work with 18 to 21 year olds as they meet the challenges of the adult world.
• Volunteers join a group of mentors interacting with the young people during activities such as barbecues, holiday parties, special skills classes, cooking class/suppers, weekend breakfast, and tutoring, with the goal of developing positive relationships and eventually meeting one on one.
• The volunteer group meets monthly with staff to review current needs of the youth, to discuss issues specific to our population, and to plan future activities. Ongoing training is part of the monthly meetings.

Qualifications: YMO asks that volunteers be willing to make at least an 18-month commitment and complete the initial application paperwork. Background screening must be completed before one-on-one mentoring begins.