Sarnia YMAP Mentor Volunteer

Join the YMCA Team! 

Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.  

Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees have excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%. 

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed childcare in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health support, and youth programs. The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 13 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario. 

Why The Y?  

At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. 

We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally. 

 We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers: 

• Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity 

• Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals 

• Hardworking and Dependable 

• Positive Role Model 

• Team Player 

• Professionalism 

• Enjoy working in a Social Environment 

• Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members  

Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities. 

All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment or a volunteer position. 

Position: YMAP Volunteer 

Location:  Sarnia, ON

As part of being a volunteer: 

• Receive a complimentary YMCA personal membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
• Contribute to real, meaningful impact in the lives of children and youth 

YMAP: Mapping the Way for Newcomer Youth is a leadership and integration program for newcomer youth. Our goal is to support and guide newcomer youth to reach their full potential during their settlement journey.  

The mentorship program will emphasize connecting youth with peer mentors who are pursuing college, university, or apprenticeship qualifications that align with the goals of newcomer youth in our program. 

Mentors will engage with participants, YMCA staff, and other volunteers to build strong relationships. They will embody and promote the YMCA mission and core values, inspiring others to follow their example. Additionally, mentors will collaborate with program staff to ensure a positive and inclusive environment in all programs located in London, Sarnia and Windsor.  

Core Responsibilities: 

• Maintain regular communication with the Manager of YMAP and YMAP staff 
• Complete all online trainings, program training, and WHY School  
• Be an Ambassador for the YMCA  
• Provide support to the participants as required 
• Offer personalized guidance and support based on each student’s program of study and interests  
• Contribute insights during roundtable discussions on academic programs, extracurricular activities, and student life  
• Help youth cultivate essential skills for success in their postsecondary education  
• Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that encourages questions and participation  
• Commit to scheduling and meetings. Participants and staff  
• Be committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging  
• Attend mentorship sessions every Tuesday between 3:30 pm-5:30 pm for a commitment of 3 to 6 months with a possibility of extension.  
• Embrace and exemplify the Y’s core values  

Qualifications:  

• Minimum age: we consider volunteers as young as the summer they are entering grade 9
• Original Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Screening less than 6 months old for volunteers 18 years of age and older  
• Genuinely Interested in being a part of the YMCA  
• Experience working with youth is an asset  
• Fun, Friendly and enthusiastic  
• Positive role model  
• Hardworking, dependable and a team player  
• Must be a student currently pursuing post-secondary education (university, college, trade school) or recently graduated. 
• Previous mentorship or peer support experience is an asset 
• Experience with post-secondary extracurricular and community involvement preferred. 
• Genuine interest in being a mentor