C.O.U.L. (Club of Unmatched Littles)

Children waiting for their match participate in fun and active monthly staff-supervised events in the C.O.U.L club. Volunteers supervise and interact with the children during these events; we would love to have more volunteers – the more the merrier!

Mentor Application
Mentee Application

Frequently Asked Questions

Potential Mentors

  • Adults ages 18 and older are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers must complete an application, interview, criminal background check, and reference checks.

  • COUL Club activities are typically held once each month.

  • Mentors are asked to make a minimum one-year commitment.

  • COUL Club activities are planned by the Community-Based Program Manager and provide opportunities for youth on the waiting list, current mentoring matches, and volunteers to connect through fun and engaging experiences.

  • COUL Club is not a matched mentoring program. It is designed primarily for youth who are waiting to be matched with a mentor through our Community-Based Mentoring Program. Monthly activities provide youth with opportunities to stay engaged, build relationships with volunteers and peers, and participate in fun experiences while they wait for a match. Once matched, mentors and mentees are encouraged to continue attending COUL Club activities together.

  • Volunteers receive program materials, a mentor handbook, and information regarding expectations, boundaries, youth safety, and program policies. Program staff review expectations during the interview process and remain available to provide guidance and support throughout the mentoring experience.

  • Screening requirements vary by program and may include:

    • Volunteer application

    • Personal interview

    • Criminal background check

    • Reference checks

    • Home visit (Community-Based Mentoring only)

  • Mentors receive program materials, regular check-ins from program staff, and ongoing support throughout their volunteer experience. Staff are always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist with any concerns that may arise.

  • There is no cost to volunteer in any of our mentoring programs.

    Program activities are funded by Torchlight. Volunteers may occasionally be responsible for incidental costs such as parking fees.

  • Mentors provide encouragement, support, and positive role modeling that can have a lasting impact on a young person's life. While every mentoring relationship is unique, mentors often help youth build confidence, strengthen social skills, explore new interests, set goals, and develop healthy relationships. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from simply showing up consistently, listening, and helping a young person know they matter.

  • Complete a volunteer application, and the Program Manager for your selected program will contact you to discuss the next steps and answer any questions.

Parent/Guardian of Potential Mentees

  • COUL Club is designed for youth who are currently waiting to be matched through our Community-Based Mentoring Program. Community-Based mentoring matches are also welcome to attend monthly activities.

  • COUL Club activities typically take place once a month.

  • Our Program Manager carefully gets to know both youth and volunteers. Volunteers complete a thorough screening process that includes an application, interview, criminal background check, home visit, and three personal references.

  • Youth safety is our highest priority. All volunteers complete a screening process appropriate to their program, which may include background checks, interviews, references, home visits, and mentor training. Program staff provide ongoing supervision, support, and regular communication throughout the mentoring relationship.

  • Families and youth are welcome to share any preferences during the enrollment process. While we cannot guarantee a specific mentor, we carefully consider these preferences whenever possible during the matching process.

  • We understand that not every mentoring match is the right fit. If concerns arise, families are encouraged to contact the Program Manager. Staff will work with everyone involved to determine the best next steps and, when appropriate, explore an alternative match.

  • Mentoring provides youth with an additional supportive adult who offers encouragement, guidance, and positive role modeling. Through mentoring, youth can build confidence, strengthen social and communication skills, explore new interests, develop healthy relationships, and gain exposure to new opportunities. A caring mentor can help youth feel supported, connected, and empowered to reach their goals.

  • No. All Torchlight mentoring programs are offered free of charge to youth and families.

  • Families, caregivers, professionals, and community members may submit a referral through our website, contact our office by phone, or speak with one of our Program Managers to learn more about the enrollment process.

    You can also simply fill an application out by clicking the link at the top of the page.