LUK crisis center, INC. (LUK) will implement LUK mentoring

The Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) awarded a $650,000 Project Grant under the Juvenile Mentoring Program (CFDA 16.726) to LUK Crisis Center, Inc. in Fitchburg, MA. Over the 3-year project period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027, LUK Crisis Center will implement the LUK Mentoring program to match 150 youth ages 6-17 in Worcester County, MA with volunteer mentors. The program will provide site-based mentoring for one school year or community-based mentoring for one calendar year, with mentors supporting youth who are currently misusing substances, at risk of substance misuse, or have family members with substance use issues. Key expected outcomes include matching 50% of accepted youth with mentors, 95% of accepted mentors with youth, and achieving at least 35 mentor-mentee contacts for 85% of matches over the length of the match.

The purpose is to match youth ages 617 with volunteer mentors in worcester county, MA. Over the three-year project period, LUK mentoring will support new matches for 150 youth (50 per year) and 30 continuation matches. Project activities include site-based mentoring for one school year or community-based mentoring for one calendar year. Matches engage in activities at designated sites or in the community for at least one hour per week. Mentor matches will also join together with staff and families for celebrations and group activities. LUK mentoring integrates the elements of effective practices for mentoring into the delivery of services, including mentor recruitment, screening, training, matching, monitoring, and match closure. Mentors are recruited and trained to support youth who are currently misusing or dependent on substances including opioids, stimulants, and other licit or illicit substances, youth at risk for misusing substances, and youth with family members who are currently misusing or dependent on substances. Mentors provide support for youth to progress toward success in school, at home, and in life, based on personalized goals in their mentorship plan. Expected outcomes include: 50 percent of accepted youth are matched with a mentor (note: of all youth referred for mentoring, not all will be eligible for the proposed project, but may be accepted into mentoring projects funded by other sources), 95 percent of accepted mentors are matched with youth, 85 percent of matches have at least 35 contacts throughout the length of their match, 85 percent of closed matches will have met for the minimum expected length of the match, 75 percent of mentees develop/maintain/strengthen lifelong connections, increased involvement in healthy recreational activities/hobbies, and abstaining from/reduced substance misuse.