Asista Mentoring and Friendship Program (YWCA)

When were you born?

In 1998.

Who funds you?

Department of Human Services, Child Protection.

What kind of mentoring program are you? 

One to one community based mentoring.

What do you try to do for your young people? 

Provide a positive role model, friendship and support to young women.

Who are your young people?

I work with young women who are clients of DHS Child Protection in the North West region of Melbourne. I can support young women from 12-21 years old.

Where do you operate?

In the North West region of Melbourne.

How many young people and mentors do you support right now?

20 matches!

What’s so exciting about you?  

I am a female specific program that works with fantastic young women who are involved in the Child Protection system. I have strong support for mentors – including monthly meetings for supervision, debriefing and training. I also run regular community days where all mentors and mentees can get together and try fun activities. 

Do you have any partnerships to help you out? 

I have strong links with referring agencies to ensure the best support for young women in the program.

What have you learnt from the journey so far? 

I have learnt that patience and planning really pays off in terms of training and screening mentors and making a good match.

What’s your biggest challenge? 

My biggest challenge is maintaining strong matches while the young participants deal with a lot of change in their lives.

What’s the best thing you've done so far? 

I recently held a doll-making workshop for matches. It was fantastic! The dolls were displayed at the “Through My Eyes” exhibition as part of National Youth Week. The young women were able to bring along their mentor, friends and family to see their work on display.