Bolder Options - Focusing on Healthy Youth Development

Bolder Options is a one-on-one, wellness-based mentoring program for youth aged 10-14 in the Twin Cities and Rochester. The middle school years are an extremely important time in a young person’s life. A stressful life event at this age can trigger a series of negative events that lead kids down the wrong path. By identifying youth as early as possible that are struggling, we can intervene to prevent future problems.

Once youth who need support are identified, they are matched with volunteer mentors who meet with them every week for a year participating in healthy and fun activities planned by Bolder staff. Each pair sets physical health, academic, and social/emotional health goals. After meeting goals and staying together for at least a year, pairs graduate and are invited to stay involved through Bolder Options’ Alumni Program.

Pictured below is Tradition Wealth Management’s, Jake Taylor, with his mentee and son at the CrossFit Gym after a workout! Being a mentor is an inspiring experience. You can learn more about Bolder Options at bolderoptions.org. Find out how bold you can be!

Our mentors often say that when they signed up, they thought of this as a way to give back, but along the way they discover how much they have changed and how much the experience has given to them. One recently graduated mentor said, “I thought mentoring was a one-way street.” Another one said, “I can’t imagine my life without you now.” What happens while youth are in the program is important, but the larger goal is to set in motion the ongoing mentoring relationship.

To learn more about becoming a mentor, please contact Dillyn Carlson at dillyn.carlson@bolderoptions.org.