Affinity Mentoring - Burton School

Program Overview

Our goal is to improve student's academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills and avoidance of problematic behavior by providing a positive relationship with a caring adult mentor who works to support youth in achieving their potential.

After proper screening and training, each mentor is carefully matched to a student for the school year. Matches meet one-on-one for one hour, once per week. Mentoring takes place at the school in "The Mentor Center", a room dedicated to the program, where matches spend their time reading, playing games, working on homework and building social skills. It is in these relationships that at-risk youth are given the emotional, social, and academic support they need to succeed. The transformation may seem to start small, beginning with simple changes in attitude and behavior, yet couple this with increased attendance and academic performance, and you have one hour a week which truly changes a child's life.

Furthermore, Affinity Mentoring is dedicated to being a support to the school and community as a whole. We work closely with the school staff, parents and community partners to recruit volunteers and resources to meet the needs of the school. This is done through events like "Bundle Up Burton" where donations of coats, hats and mittens are collected for every Elementary student each fall. Affinity Mentoring is continually working to create a positive school environment where families feel comfortable and supported. Several annual events celebrate these relationships between parents, students, mentors and school staff.

*Students must be enrolled at an Affinity Mentoring partner school to be eligible to receive a mentor.

Student and Volunteer Success Stories

"My mentors and teachers saw potential in me. Without my mentors I wouldn't have graduated from high school. I wouldn't have done a lot of activities or been as involved. I probably wouldn't have the job that I do now. Now I go to Grand Rapids Community College, I enjoy graphic design, and I work at a nonprofit, Health Net of West Michigan. I'm really involved in the community and like to help people access resources." - Brandon, program alumna