Next Level Mentoring
Next Level Mentoring (NLM) is a youth mentoring program under the umbrella of Positive Impact New York providing mentoring programs for middle school youth in Suffolk County. NLM was created in the memory of Gordon Hamilton, a personal friend to Executive Director, Terrell Dozier. Before his unfortunate passing in 2005, Gordon often spoke of plans for a program that would influence youth throughout his home state of Connecticut. Positive Impact New York will honor Gordon’s legacy that was cut short and continue the work he started.
Program Partnership
NLM has partnered with Riverhead Charter School in Calverton, NY. NLM focuses primarily on middle school youth as it is projected that within three years, 50% of the system's students will be in middle school. This age group is particularly problematic and a perfect time for mentoring to be effective. NLM's goal is to foster a commitment to young people that will promote pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a sense of hope in the future.
Because of the society we live in now with racial tension, social media and the fear of the unknown, our youth have lost faith in the possibilities that await them if they are successful in putting their lives together. To accomplish this goal, young people must be in a caring, inclusive learning environment that promotes their best effort and reinforces personal respect. The focus is slightly different at each level but the goal remains the same; empower the young person to make positive changes in his/her life.
HOW NLM WORKS
NLM’s mentoring programs pairs a group of young adults with a mentor(s) for 12 months. During that time they participates in weekly planned activities to strengthen the relationships between the youth and their mentor(s) improve the young people's confidence and hopefulness. Mentors receives continuous training throughout the year and will participate in monthly meeting to report the group's progress.
Over time, NLM creates a learning environment that will be an invaluable resource to young people, aspiring mentors and the community at large.