Mentorship: Breaking the cycle of generational poverty through relationships and accountability

From serving vulnerable populations, Every Arkansan knows that generational poverty at its core is the lack of relationships. When others come alongside those living in poverty, this is when barriers are lifted. Especially for youth populations, mentorship plays a crucial role in ensuring kids can step into successful lives. Mentorship holds others accountable, builds relationships and encourages others in their walk of life. Mentorship impacts years of generational poverty. 

In “When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself,” poverty is described as, “Poverty is rooted in broken relationships, so the solution to poverty is rooted in the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection to put all things into right relationship again.”

To mend the brokenness in relationships, mentorship is needed. 

Importance of Mentorship 

For youth, having a mentor benefits them as they grow into adulthood. According to youth.gov, youth who have a mentor have increased high school graduation rates, lower high school dropout rates, higher enrollment rates in educational aspirations, enhanced self-esteem and confidence, stronger relationships with others and decreased likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use. Speaking life into others and telling them who they were created in Christ makes all the difference as they step into adulthood. 

How to Mentor Others

Connect with others: Find youth in your community through church or nonprofits. 

The best ways to find mentorship opportunities are through church and nonprofits that work to ensure kids at-risk have a mentor. At church, connect with youth pastors or other church leadership to see if there is a need. In central Arkansas, nonprofits like STEP Ministries work to mentor kids in nearby neighborhoods. Each week, mentors consistently show up and provide spiritual influence, help kids develop life skills and take kids on memorable monthly outings. For information about STEP, visit https://stepministries.org/ to learn more. The Arkansas Dream Center is also in need of mentors to invest and pour into kids. To serve as a mentor at the Dream Center, visit https://www.everyarkansan.org/volunteer.

Create conversation and listen: Get to know your mentee and listen well. 

People feel seen when they are asked intentional questions. Ask your mentee about their life, find out where they are spiritually, ask about their interests. Along with asking intentional questions is listening well. Let your mentee know that you have their full attention. Block out distractions and focus on them. 

Walk through a Bible study: Open up God’s word and read it together. 

Find a study to start or read through a book in the Bible. Walking through the Bible together creates a space for spiritual growth and conversation. Reading God’s word not only benefits the mentee, but also yourself as you get to disciple them. Growing and learning together allows you to put your faith in action. 

Be consistent: Show up and commit to pouring into their life. 

Consistency is the most important aspect of mentoring youth. Showing up every week will allow you to build deeper and meaningful relationships with your mentee. It shows that you care and will be there for them in the hard and joyful times. Walk with them and show up for them. Kids are desperate for attention, they want to feel and know they are loved. Let them know you will be there for them by your actions.

“Start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6