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Matches youth ages 6-14 with positive and committed adult role models. The youth (Little) and mentor (Big) meet in the community and spend time exploring activities they already enjoy and more. 

Provides mentoring for youth in a one-on-one setting most days throughout the year. The purpose of “one-to-ones” is for the teen to develop a positive relationship with an adult who genuinely cares about him or her and who can provide personal support in dealing with life’s pressures.

Surveys show that youth who experienced stronger levels of developmental relationships with mentors also had 26% higher social and emotional competence scores.

Provides a program designed for senior volunteers (55+) to help children and special needs children with pre-reading and reading skills, homework, play games or share stories.

Provides a re-entry program that assists individuals returning to the community from the correctional system. Assists individuals with the following:
- Learning basic skills.
- Leadership development.
- Interview preparation and job readiness.
- Group mentoring and peer-to-peer sessions.

Offers the following services:
- Case management.
- Job placement.
- Educational assessments.
- Advocacy.
- Counseling.
- Recreational activities.

Provides substance abuse/drug prevention education to schools, community groups and businesses. The programs include presentations on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, peer helper training, conflict management training, and consultation on substance abuse issues. Programs are centered around healthy lifestyles and healthy choices. Mentoring program is also available.

Provides a youth mentoring program for youth, ages 12-17, workshops and activities to explore career opportunities, and job search assistance through Goodwill’s Employment Services Program.

Mentoring program opportunities include community based (traditional), individual and couples match to a child, and school-based.

Offers a program designed to empower young entrepreneurs to develop entrepreneurial skills to launch their own businesses. Students receive mentorship from business professionals from the Des Moines Metro area where they obtain hands-on skills and connections to confidently pitch their business ideas at the conclusion of the program.

Services for individuals with disabilities. Includes information and referral, service coordination, independent living skills training, individual and system advocacy, equipment loan and rental, barrier removal consultations and grants, and disability awareness training. Assists people with disabilities to transition from nursing homes to community based living. Offers a personal assistant referral and management program. Peer mentoring. Mobility options equipment repair and sales.

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.

Boxing gym with a mentorship and violence prevention program, with the goal of helping increase school graduation rates.

Programming teaches non-combative de-escalation, how to properly exercise and diet for a healthy lifestyle, and how to process and release emotions or stress in a positive manner.

Members are given strategic exercises individually and in a group, in both a classroom and gym setting.

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.

Provides a youth mentoring program for youth, ages 12-17, workshops and activities to explore career opportunities, and job search assistance through Goodwill’s Employment Services Program.

Serves middle school and high school teens who are experiencing challenging times. The staff builds relationships with youth through tutoring, support groups, and one-on-one mentoring.

Seeks to build better schools and a healthier community by reaching out to every hurting, lost, or at risk teen in the community and build caring relationships with them and offer opportunities for life transformation.