Jada F.
When Jada joined OhanaHC during her senior year at Guilford Park High School, she was thinking about what came next.
Know a student who could use someone in their corner?
Maybe you’re already thinking of someone. A young person starting high school, finding their way, and ready for more people in their corner. OhanaHC would like to meet them. One referral can start a decade of belonging.
Who is OhanaHC for?
OhanaHC is for young people who would benefit from having more people in their village.
- Maybe they are carrying a lot at home.
- Maybe they are full of potential and still building their confidence.
- Maybe they are the first in their family to go to college.
- Maybe they are new to the country and still finding their footing.
- Maybe they are curious about a career and don’t know anyone who does it.
- And maybe they just need a community of support.
OhanaHC accepts students from five area high schools.
Our Stories
Students, in their own words
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Video
Why I Chose OhanaHC
Every young person finds something here that matters. Listen to one student talk about his experience.
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Michael B.
When Michael joined OhanaHC as a junior at Hammond High School, he wasn’t sure yet what life after high school would look like. Over time, that space became more.
What does mentoring look like?
Every student has at least two mentors in their corner, giving them different perspectives and more people to turn to beyond their usual circle.
Mentors spend time getting to know their students, listening to what matters to them, sharing experiences, and helping them work through the questions and decisions that come with growing up.
That can look different for every young person. They might talk about school, friendships, college, work, family, goals, or what happened that week.
4 to 6 hours a month
Mentors and students have plenty of ways to stay connected.
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Weekly club meeting
School club meetings happen once a week, giving students a chance to share a meal, build skills, talk through challenges, and strengthen connections with their peers, school staff, and mentors.
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Weekly check-in
Mentors also check in each week, often by text message.
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Monthly events
Every month, OhanaHC brings youth and mentors together for events, activities, and new experiences.
Support that continues after high school
Graduation is a major milestone, but it is also the beginning of a new set of decisions and transitions.
OhanaHC’s long-term mentoring model continues through age 24.
After high school, young adults can participate in Pathfinders, where they come together for monthly dinners, practical guidance, shared experiences, and conversations about college, careers, independence, and life after graduation.
The relationships they built in high school do not have to end when they receive a diploma.
Who can refer a student?
Parents and guardians, counselors, teachers, coaches, school staff, community organizations, and other trusted adults can introduce a young person to OhanaHC.
A referral simply starts the conversation. It is an opportunity for us to learn more about the young person, answer questions, and see whether OhanaHC feels like a good fit.
Your road to OhanaHC
What happens for the student you refer
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Check it out
Complete the participation form opens in a new tab. Then stop by an after-school club for food, snacks, and a chance to connect with classmates and mentors.
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Let’s connect
An OhanaHC team member will follow up and share what joining our free mentoring program is all about.
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People in Your Corner
We’ll get to know you, what you’re into, what matters to you, and what you’re hoping for, then match you with mentors who share your interests and are ready to show up for you.
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Have fun and grow
Set a goal that matters to you, hang out at weekly after-school club, go to events, and spend time with your mentors. Try new things, make connections, and build confidence as you go.