Helping children thrive at Community Youth Mentoring

How to help • Address: 904 W. Washington Street, Sandusky, OH 44870. • Office hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Contact: Phone, 419-626-8694, or email, aferrell@cymohio.org. • Monetary donations are also welcome to support the organization's programs. Community Youth Mentoring is also seeking donations ahead of the holiday season. • Donations may be mailed to: Community Youth Mentoring, 904 W. Washington Street, Sandusky, OH 44870 • Those who wish to contribute or inquire further can call 419-626-8694 or email aferrell@cymohio.org. Locals can help offer leadership to area youths via a nonprofit organization. Community Youth Mentoring in Sandusky is committed to supporting young people by providing caring, consistent and one-on-one mentoring relationships so they can build confidence, make positive choices and reach their potential. Community Youth Mentoring is always in need of volunteers, especially adults, according to Annette Ferrell, executive director of Youth Mentoring Program. Those interested in becoming a mentor can learn more and start the process on the organization's website. Applications for children ages 6-14 who could benefit from having a mentor are always accepted. "We believe that every child deserves a supportive adult or older peer who walks alongside them, encourages them and helps them thrive academically, socially and emotionally," Ferrell said. The organization assists children in Erie County while focusing on those who need additional guidance, encouragement and connection. It offers the traditional one-on-one mentoring with paired adult volunteers and children aged 6-14. Community Youth Mentoring also offers its School Buddies program with high school mentors, also known as Big Buddies, who meet with elementary and middle school students, the Little Buddies, in schools throughout Erie County. What's been done and what's to come Last year, the program saw impressive growth in its School Buddies program, according to Ferrell. She described it as the largest mentoring initiative in the county. There were nearly 400 students served in January through November 2025. "The weekly, consistent mentoring between high-school Big Buddies and younger Little Buddies has led to noticeable gains in confidence, behavior and school engagement," Ferrell said. "School Buddies continues to be the heart of our mission and the program making the greatest difference for youth in our community." Going into the new year, the program is focused on growth and strengthening services provided to children and families in the county, according to Ferrell. Community Youth Mentoring wants to expand the Traditional Mentoring program, including looking into group mentoring where mentors and mentees connect in small groups. This would allow more young people to be reached and provide additional support to go beyond traditional one-on-one matches. The organization is also exploring the possibility of expanding the School Buddies program. "Another Erie County school soon to house all grade levels on one campus has reached out requesting that we implement School Buddies at their site," Ferrell said. "We plan to explore this partnership in 2026, as it would allow us to bring our largest and most impactful mentoring program to even more students." Ferrell said the organization's goal for the new year is simple — continue strategic growth to provide safe, supportive and meaningful mentoring relationships to those in need.