Sometimes what changes a young person’s path is having one more person who shows up. Someone who listens, asks what they think, and shares what they’ve learned. They make introductions, celebrate progress, and stay in their corner as the questions get bigger.
OhanaHC connects young people in Howard County with caring adults who can be that person. We build relationships that can grow from high school into young adulthood.
“Getting to know my student has been really fun, and I love being part of such a strong community and going to fun events. It’s been very rewarding to support my student’s journey!”
Jayna Crandell, OhanaHC mentor
It might be lunch after school. A conversation about college. Practicing for a job interview. Going to an OhanaHC event. Exploring a new place. Talking through a tough week. Celebrating a graduation.
Explore these OhanaHC stories. Yours could be the next one.
One of the best parts of mentoring is getting to experience new things together.
Our model
You won’t be mentoring alone
Each young person is connected with at least two caring adult mentors, giving them more than one person to turn to and giving mentors someone else to share the journey.
Different mentors bring different skills, experiences, interests, and connections, giving young people more perspectives to learn from as they find their way.
And you’re not the only person they count on. Our villages and broader OhanaHC community create another layer of support, connection, and opportunity around each young person.
We ask mentors to commit to one year, but many relationships continue far beyond that.
The program grows with the student for up to ten years
Ninth grade
Graduation
Ages 18 to 24
Students gain a village. Mentors find they have one too
And the connection goes both ways. Many mentors find that the relationships, friendships, and community they build through OhanaHC give just as much back to them.
When Lisa Terry became an OhanaHC mentor, she signed up to be there for a young person. Six years later, she says the experience has given just as much back to her.
Tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in mentoring.
Connect
We’ll get to know you, answer your questions, and talk about what mentoring with OhanaHC looks like.
Complete training
We’ll help you prepare for the relationship, expectations, and support available through training before you’re matched and as the relationship grows.
Get matched
We’ll connect you with a young person and the Ohana surrounding them.
Start building the relationship
Start with a conversation, get to know each other, and keep showing up and having fun.
If a step ever goes quiet, write to info@ohanahc.org and someone picks it back up.
Questions future mentors ask us
Do I need mentoring experience?
No. Your life experience, perspective, interests, professional background, and ability to listen can all be valuable.
How much time does it take?
Mentors generally spend about 4 to 6 hours each month connecting with their student.
What will we do together?
There is no single mentoring routine. You may talk, attend events, explore careers, share meals, visit new places, work through decisions, or simply catch up.
No. Mentors listen, encourage, share perspective, and help young people think through next steps. You are also part of a larger Ohana and have support when something goes beyond your role.
Why make a long-term commitment?
Young people’s lives change quickly between high school and their early twenties. Long-term relationships give mentors the opportunity to stay connected as the questions, goals, and challenges change too.
Other ways in
Find your place in OhanaHC
Mentoring is one way to make a difference. You can also volunteer, partner with us, give, or help strengthen the community around our young people.
Jayna Crandell, OhanaHC mentor
Video
