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ASPIRE Youth Mentoring Program 

The ASPIRE Youth Mentoring Program is a collaborative initiative of Kankakee City Life's Youth for Christ, Peniel CrossRoads, and Kankakee County State's Attorney's Office Community Division created to provide positive adult mentorship, life skills, and personal growth opportunities for youth in the City of Kankakee.

ASPIRE connects caring adult mentors with young people to help them build confidence, strengthen decision-making skills, and develop the tools needed to achieve success in school, relationships, and life. Through consistent encouragement and positive role models, participants are empowered to reach their full potential while making positive choices for their future.

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Program Goals

  • Foster positive, supportive mentor relationships

  • Promote healthy decision-making and personal responsibility

  • Build confidence, leadership, and communication skills

  • Encourage academic success and school engagement

  • Reduce risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency

  • Strengthen family and community connections

  • Inspire youth to become productive, engaged community members

What Youth Can Expect

Mentees have the opportunity to:

  • Meet regularly with a trained adult mentor once a week

  • Participate in leadership and team-building activities

  • Develop life and social skills

  • Learn conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques

  • Explore career and educational opportunities

  • Complete community service projects

  • Build healthy peer relationships in a safe, supportive environment

Mentor Commitment

Volunteer mentors are caring adults who are committed to 1 hour once a week making a positive difference in the life of a young person. Mentors receive orientation, ongoing support, and resources to help build meaningful, lasting relationships with their mentees.

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Who Can Participate?

The ASPIRE Youth Mentoring Program serves youth in the City of Kankakee who can benefit from positive mentorship, encouragement, and additional support as they 

navigate academic, personal, and social challenges.

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Become a Mentor

One caring adult can change the course of a young person's life.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer mentor or learning more about the ASPIRE Youth Mentoring Program, please contact Kankakee City Life @ (815)935-2020 or for mentor registration, contact Chris, ASPIRE Mentor Director, by email:

chrisand julie99@yahoo.com

Together, we can inspire hope, build character, and empower the next generation of leaders.

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Interested in Becoming a
Volunteer Mentor?

Mentoring Resources...

Mentors must be over the age of 18, must complete an extensive background check and interview process, and complete all training sessions before being matched with a mentee.  They must have access to reliable transportation, a valid photo ID and/or driver’s license, and be willing to make a 12-month commitment to the program.  

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How to Apply:

To apply, please complete and submit the below form.  Upon receipt of your information, the ASPIRE Director will contact you with information on upcoming Orientation Meeting to further explain the program.  Please be sure to complete all fields.

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Sign Up Here

Kankakee County State's Attorney's Office Mentor Program History

JUMP

In 2018, JUMP was a first-of-its-kind juvenile mentoring program for at-risk, court-involved youth in Kankakee County that partners the State’s Attorney’s Office with Juvenile Probation, local employers, community leaders, and volunteer mentors.  JUMP supported the State’s Attorney’s efforts at the intervention stage of juvenile delinquency with the goal of improving outcomes and reducing truancy so that the youth does not re-offend as a minor or become an adult offender.  JUMP facilitated a one-on one Match relationship.  This relationship focused on volunteer/service opportunities, assists with life goals, including education and career direction.

AmeriCorps Initiative

​In 2019 the State's Attorney's Office applied for funding to support JUMP under the AmeriCorps national initiative.  The grant was awarded and the Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office is now recognized as an AmeriCorps Service Site for our region, serving as the first and only prosecutor's office in the United States to serve in this capacity.  This means that volunteer mentors who qualify may apply for an education award and a stipend to defray costs while performing community service as a mentor in the JUMP Program. Unfortunately, on August 31, 2025, because of cuts in state funding, the AmeriCorps grant was not renewed in Kankakee County.

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