You don't need to be a child psychologist to have a lasting, life-changing impact on the life of a youth. You just need to be willing to come alongside youth and share your expertise, enthusiasm and time.

Northwest Youth & Family Services is looking for adults who are willing to serve as mentors for youth who truly need their help. Adults are matched with low-income, isolated and marginalized youth who need help learning better habits in life, in school and in the workplace. We're open to all kinds of mentoring experiences, not just the traditional one-to-one interactions with a youth over a long period of time. While that model works, youth can also benefit from mentors who volunteer for a variety of group experiences and for shorter time commitments.

However mentors chose to volunteer, what matters is that they help youth identify their individual gifts and talents while exploring real-world applications in their personal and professional lives. Every mentor receives the full support of NYFS staff.

We're glad that that mentors come in all shapes and sizes-even extra large. Members of the Minnesota Vikings organization recently proved that point by offering a very special mentoring experience to NYFS youth. Holly Walters, coordinator of NYFS' STEP (Service + Tutoring Equals Pride) program, recently led a group of youth on a field trip to Winter Park. It was a meaningful experience for everyone involved. "We got to tour the facility and meet other employees besides the players and learn about what it takes to succeed. We also had the chance to meet the players."

She said Vikings players also spoke directly to the kids. "They talked about how much work it takes to make your dreams come true and that nothing is impossible. They really touched on the importance of academics and attending a college and obtaining a degree." In November, an entourage of Vikings players and personnel will be making a trip to NYFS to visit with youth.

While not every mentoring event involves the Minnesota Vikings, helping these kids learn how to be successful adults is still a rewarding way to spend your time. If you are interested in learning more about mentoring opportunities at NYFS, please contact Tim Gusk, Director of Youth Development, at or call 651-379-3406.