Frequently Asked Questions (CB)

Potential Mentors

  • Adults ages 18 and older are eligible to become mentors. Volunteers must complete an application, interview, background check, reference checks, and other program requirements before being approved.

  • Mentors are asked to spend time with their mentee at least twice per month for approximately 2 hours per visit.

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

  • Activities are based on the interests of each mentoring match. Mentors and mentees may attend sporting events, take painting classes, go fishing or swimming, complete crafts, cook together, watch a movie, visit a park, take a walk, or explore other shared interests.

  • Our Program Manager takes time to get to know both youth and volunteers by learning about their personalities, interests, goals, and preferences. Potential matches are carefully considered to create successful mentoring relationships. Before a match is made, volunteers may have opportunities to meet youth through COUL Club activities or other program events.

  • Mentors and mentees may meet at a variety of approved locations throughout the community. Meeting locations are determined collaboratively by the mentor, parent or caregiver, and Program Manager to ensure they are appropriate, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

  • 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.

    While many mentoring activities are free, mentors are responsible for the cost of any activities they choose to do with their mentee. However, free community activities are encouraged, and matches are welcome to attend COUL Club events, where activity costs are covered by the program.

  • 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

  • Youth ages 6–16 who could benefit from having a positive adult role model. Many participants come from single-parent households, although exceptions may be considered based on individual circumstances. This program is designed for youth who could benefit from additional encouragement, socialization, and support.

  • Youth meet with their mentor at least twice each month while also having the opportunity to attend optional COUL Club events and other Torchlight activities.

  • At least twice each month, with opportunities to participate more often if mutually agreed upon by the mentor, youth, and parent or caregiver.

  • Our Program Manager carefully gets to know both youth and volunteers before making a match. 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.

  • Mentors and mentees may meet at a variety of approved locations throughout the community. Meeting locations are determined collaboratively by the mentor, parent or caregiver, and Program Manager to ensure they are appropriate, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (CC)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (SB)

Potential Mentors

  • High school and college-aged students are eligible to volunteer. Volunteers must have reliable transportation to and from the school where the program is held or arrange transportation with a parent, guardian, or another responsible adult.

  • Mentors volunteer once each week for approximately 1–2 hours on a designated weekday afternoon. Meeting days and times vary depending on the school.

  • Site-Based mentors are asked to commit for the duration of the school year.

  • Mentoring sessions take place at the participating school where the program is offered.

  • Activities vary by school and program but may include crafts, STEM projects, board games, outdoor activities, team-building exercises, holiday-themed projects, educational activities, and much more. Program Managers plan each session and are always open to new ideas.

  • During the first several weeks of the program, mentors and youth participate in activities that allow them to get to know one another. Both mentors and youth are then asked to identify potential matches, and the Program Manager carefully reviews these preferences when creating matches.

  • Mentors participate in an orientation prior to the start of the program. During training, volunteers receive a mentor handbook and review program expectations, policies, and best practices for working with youth.

  • Site-Based Mentoring follows its own screening process, which includes an application, interview, references, and mentor orientation.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Eligibility varies by school, as each program serves different grade levels. Site-Based Mentoring is designed for youth who could benefit from building positive relationships, increasing confidence, strengthening social skills, or receiving additional encouragement from a mentor.

  • Programs meet once each week after school throughout the school year, typically from October through May.

  • Once each week throughout the school year, following the participating school's calendar.

  • High school mentors complete an application, participate in an interview, provide two school references and one family reference, and attend mentor training before being accepted into the program.

  • Mentoring sessions take place at the participating school where the program is offered.

  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FC)

Potential Mentors

  • Adults ages 18 and older are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers must complete an application, interview, criminal background check, and reference checks. Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to program activities.

  • Mentors participate in weekly group mentoring sessions. Geauga County programs typically meet Tuesday evenings for approximately 90 minutes, while Lake County programs generally meet Saturday mornings for approximately two hours.

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

  • Activities are planned by the Program Manager and completed in a group setting. Programs include a variety of recreational, educational, life skills, and team-building activities that encourage positive relationships and personal growth.

  • This program focuses primarily on group mentoring rather than one-to-one matches. In some situations, a youth and volunteer may develop a strong connection and request a Community-Based mentoring match. These requests are reviewed individually with program staff, the group home, and the youth's caseworker when appropriate.

  • 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

  • Youth, typically ages 14–24, who are currently in foster care or have previous foster care experience and could benefit from group mentoring, life skills, social-emotional support, and positive peer interactions.

  • Youth participate in weekly group mentoring sessions, typically held Tuesday evenings in Geauga County and Saturday mornings in Lake County.

  • Once each week during scheduled group mentoring sessions.

  • All volunteers complete an application, interview, criminal background check, and reference checks before participating.

  • 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.

  • Mentors and mentees may meet at a variety of approved locations throughout the community. Meeting locations are determined collaboratively by the mentor, parent or caregiver, and Program Manager to ensure they are appropriate, safe, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Foster parents, kinship caregivers, caseworkers, and other professionals are welcome to refer eligible youth to the program.

  • 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.