Affinity Mentorship Foundation (AMF)

Mentorship is at the core of the work we do at Affinity. This program is delivered by a program coordinator whose role is to recruit train match and support mentors in their mentoring relationships. Mentors are matched one-on-one with youth participants to support them in developing and strengthening relationship and communication skills while encouraging the youth to set and reach goals and participate in community activities. In 2021 Affinity expanded its target population to include all youth at-risk of justice involvement. Benefits of mentoring include increased skill development and confidence which increase a youth’s likelihood of high school graduation and securing employment. Community benefits that result from a reduction in youth recidivism and justice involvement prevention are massive with respect to increased community safety and overall increase in quality of life for our youth and their mentors. Affinity staff and volunteers connect with youth at-risk of justice involvement to build relationships and increase community connections to support the youth in developing skills and finding purpose. Program topics are vast and include recreation cooking volunteering cultural diversity and money management. It takes a village: This program is delivered by Affinity's program coordinators at a variety of locations throughout the city of Calgary. The purpose of this program is to provide a roster of artists artisans local athletes and entrepreneurs to provide time demonstrations educational classes and sports activities. This enables our youth to expand their networks and provides an opportunity for different positive experiences. Community Engagement: This project is delivered by Affinity's program manager in partnership with community agencies. Through monthly volunteer events youth participants work alongside adult supports to develop and build skills while strengthening community ties. Through this work youth will build trust and confidence