Connects individuals who are experiencing life hardships with others who provide friendship and mentoring. Mentoring covers topics such as coping with grief, budgeting, or tackling any of life's other hardships.

Provides trained volunteer mentors to at-risk children in need of a positive adult role model, by working in partnership with the children, their families and the community. Programs include:

ONE-ON-ONE PROGRAM: matches a volunteer mentor with a Child in Need of Assistance or through a referral from our local school districts. Mentor Iowa works directly with the Department of Human Services (DHHS), Juvenile Court Services and local school districts who identify children who could benefit from having a mentor.

EARLY SERVICES PROJECT (ESP) -Working with Juvenile Court Services, Orchard Place Child Guidance Center, and the Des Moines Public School District, Mentor Iowa provides mentoring services to children, ages 4 - 11, who have committed a minor delinquent act.

TRANSITION PROGRAM - A collaboration with JCS, Des Moines Public School District and Sequel Care. Mentor Iowa provides mentoring services to teens, ages 14 and up, who are reentering the community after an out of home placement due to a crime they committed.

TRUANCY COURT - A collaboration with Truancy Court, Des Moines Public Schools and the Polk County Attorney's office. Mentor Iowa volunteers are matched with referred middle school students who have a history of truancy.

GIRL POWER - a program for females between the ages of 11 through 16. Girl Power is designed to provide a forum for young women to interact with each other and discuss areas of common concern. Issues addressed include: career exploration, substance use and abuse, gangs and violence and sexuality and healthy decision making. The mentors of these young women are encouraged to participate in the Girl Power program.

Provides partnerships for youth ages 5-16 with caring adults who can help them achieve their highest potential.

Provides a structured one-on-one relationship that focuses on the needs of the youth. Mentors encourage individuals to develop to their fullest potential by addressing therapeutic goals.

Mentors help guide the youth through a wide range of tasks such as emotional well-being, social skills, self-esteem, and other areas the youth may be struggling with. By role modeling and providing a trusting relationship, the mentor helps the youth to overcome obstacles, set limits, and reach goals.

Character and leadership development. Programs include aquatics, arts, sports, fitness and recreation, health and life skills, educational and career development, job training, career preparation, tutoring services, and age appropriate community service.

Outdoor activities, including Carter Lake Summer Camp (Mon-Fri 8 am-4 pm).

Meals served. Limited bus service - call for details.

-- Advocacy Program: Intensive one-on-one services that include mentoring, role modeling, and social skills building.

-- Visitation Program: Services provided to clients of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who are working towards reunification with their children who have been removed from their household due to abuse and/or neglect. Services include transportation to and from visitation and supervision of visitation between family members.

-- Norman Housing Services: This program provides services to DCFS clients who lack adequate housing.

Provides volunteers to help children in school with learning skills such as reading, spelling, mathematics, writing, and social skills.