Reach Our Youth (commonly referred to as ROY) is a one-to-one mentoring program that matches at-risk youth with caring volunteers.

We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you wanting to get involved. Visit our Volunteer section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.

All the money donated to the Reach Our Youth goes to support the kids in the program, one way or another. This includes planning Group Activities, client assistance, and some advertising. For more information on how to donate, click the above link.

Some of the children enrolled in the program are on probation/have had court convictions but the majority are not. Referrals of children come from all over - the local schools, Job & Family Services, family friends, parents, etc. In short, any child in our community who may be in need of an extra friend is the kind of child a mentor would be matched with.

As a part of the Juvenile Court, the office is located on the first floor of the Huron County Courthouse. The mailing address is 2 E Main St, Room 101, Norwalk, OH 44857.

No. The Huron County Reach Our Youth is the only ROY in existence.

To become a mentor, one must initially fill out the mentor application and provide two references. After the references have been checked, the potential mentor will sit down for an interview with the Program Director. Following the interview, the mentor will required to be fingerprinted (which is paid for by the program). If the fingerprinting report comes back clean, the mentor is then given an orientation session and given the opportunity to choose the child they think will work best with them.

The only limit to a mentors age is they must be over the age of 16, and if they're under 18, they must have their parents consent. Currently, the youngest mentor is 16 and the oldest is 75!

How does a mentor choose a child?A mentor is shown many different applications of children in the program. They get to choose the child they think will work best with them and their interests.

Yes! You will work closely with the parents and do most of the communicating with them. As I stated above, mentors usually pick up/drop kids off at their home, so you will coordinate times/schedules with their parents. Once we get through the application process and you choose a child, I do a match-up process that involves you, the child, their parents and me. As you probably know, some parents are easier to work with than others.

Yes! Parents sign off on any liability to their child’s mentor. So driving is 100% acceptable. Mentors usually pick up and drop off their mentee at the child’s home.

Yes! As long as you communicate with their parents and they are ok with it. Sometimes, a mentor might take their mentee to Sandusky or Cleveland as a treat.

Yes! As long as they are free, you can meet with your mentee at any time during the week.

Absolutely! It is encouraged for a mentor to show a child a wide array of opportunities and activities. Many of those already matched sincerely enjoy spending time with their mentors families. Mentors who have kids of their own are welcome to bring their children and spouses to ROY Activities.

Providing your child is between the ages of 6-17 and resides in Huron County, Ohio, all you need to do is fill out the Child Application, which you can do through the above link. After the application and forms are complete, your child will officially be enrolled in the ROY Program.

The age range of children is from 6 years old to 17 years old.

There are some other ways to get involved in the program! First, you can help out at Group Activities. We are always looking for people to help set up, serve meals, and clean up. If this is up your alley, email roy@hcjpc.com. Second, you can help do some office work - i.e. folding newsletters, putting together training binders, etc. Third, ROY has an Event Planning Committee that works together to plan the Group Activities. If you like event planning, this is a great opportunity for you! Again, just email roy@hcjpc.com and let us know you'd like to help this way.