Aaron Purtzer. File photo

It has been proven again and again that children benefit from youth mentoring. During Tuesday’s Los Alamos Rotary Club meeting at the Manhattan Project, members learned about a new program offering services to youth.

Aaron Purtzer, director of the Los Alamos Family YMCA’s Reach and Rise Mentor Program, discussed the program and how it can create a positive impact on young people.

Purtzer is relatively new to Los Alamos; he moved to the community in January from Richland, Wash. However, he does bring a lot of experience to his new position; Purtzer previously worked as a crisis counselor.

As director of the Reach and Rise Mentor Program, Purtzer said he matches adults and children who share similar interests. Mentors must be older than 23 and commit to spending one to three hours a week for a year with their “mentoree.” They also participate in a 15-hour training that includes counseling techniques and are required to go through a background check.

The children in the program are 6-17 years old and they can be referred to the program in a number of ways such as school counselors, Juvenile Justice Advisory Board or by their parents. 

The relationships between the adults and children create a huge benefit to the children because it shows them that they are important and they matter.

“It makes a big difference,” Purtzer said, adding that “The sky is the limit” to what adults and mentorees can do including anything from hiking to arts and crafts.

The program, which is funded by Y USA, requires the Reach and Rise program to recruit 30 adult mentors in the program. Currently, there are 10.

Purtzer encouraged Rotarians to get involved in the program. It is easy to think because Los Alamos is an affluent community that there is less of a need for this type of program. However, Purtzer said, “I think there’s a lot of diversity in Los Alamos.” As a result, there are many children who could use a mentor.

To apply to become a mentor, contact Purtzer at 505.662.3100.