At a Glance Report to Our Community
At a Glance Report to Our Community MISSION STATEMENT Empowering students to make positive life choices through school-based mentoring.
190
Demographics
Foundations Corporate Events Government Unsolicited Individual In-kind Other
MENTORS
152
38
PROGRAMMES ATTENDANCE FOR
THE YEAR
86%
556 Relationships
190 Mentors
18
Active Schools
MENTEES
TRADITIONAL MENTORS
25 Reading Classes
TRADITIONAL MENTEES
556
Male: (Bda) 5 / (Non-Bda) 1 Female: (Bda) 8 / (Non-Bda) 1
3 Programmes
Male: 12 Female: 8
READING MENTEES READING MENTORS Male: (Bda) 6 / (Non-Bda) 7 Female: (Bda) 61 / (Non-Bda) 26
PEER MENTORS Male: 19 Female: 56
Male: 194 Female: 192
267
289
PEER MENTEES Male: 61 Female: 89
Strategic Priorities YouthNet’s priorities for FY2017 were focused on maintaining financial sustainability and recruiting additional mentors in order to maintain 600 relationships. The organization sought to increase the annual raffle revenue to $50K, re-establish a development committee, and explore opportunities for an annual donor sponsored event: •
YouthNet was successful in raising the funds to meet the budget ($430,000)
•
Unforeseen circumstances severely restricted marketing potential for our raffle which left us with a net revenue lower than anticipated ($16,000). We were fortunately able to offset the deficit with $50,000 of new and unsolicited donations received throughout the year.
•
An independent organizational capacity assessment concluded that Board capacity was stretched and recommended we re-visit the possibility of a Development Committee in FY2018.
•
A corporate partner has been identified to support us with an additional event in FY2018.
YouthNet also sought to explore new recruiting opportunities in collaboration with business and community partners, with a focus on promoting group mentoring and utilizing social media platforms to assist our efforts: •
The organization managed to achieve 93% of its goal, recruiting 37 additional mentors to the program and ending the year with 556 relationships. YouthNet experienced an unusually high attrition of reading mentors this year. This is thought to be a result of a combination of scheduling changes and those retiring from the programme.
YouthNet has had some additional accomplishments this year of which we are very proud: •
Our mentors had a record attendance of 86% which demonstrates their commitment and the importance of consistent, effective relationship management.
•
In November, YouthNet contracted with two independent consultants to conduct both an organizational and a marketing communications assessment. It is expected that recommendations from both assessments will be implemented in FY2018.
•
In February, we hosted the 10th and final Alan Oliver YouthNet Memorial Golf Tournament. Over the years, the tournament has raised over $100,000.
•
Funds invested in the Alan Oliver Sports Fund have supported over 150 YouthNet mentees and other young people in extracurricular activities and in achieving their sporting goals.
•
Together, YouthNet and The Centre on Philanthropy have developed the Nonprofit Executive Certificate Program, designed to create a career path and leadership development track for non-profit professionals interested in advancing their careers, and specifically in becoming executive directors. The program equips participants the with the knowledge, skills and ability to establish, manage and sustain a successful non-profit. In addition, participants will have access to mentors from both the non-profit and business community. This model provides them the opportunity to engage with and learn from a cross section of leaders, and is designed to support situational as well as topical learning between individuals and groups. The pilot was launched in February with eight participants and funding has been provided by the Bermuda Community Foundation.
•
In May, YouthNet was successful in winning the X.L Catlin End-to-End People’s Choice Award of $30,000.
As Executive Director, I am proud of our accomplishments this year and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our donors, mentors, mentees, school officials, community partners and the YouthNet team for their contribution to our success. Clare Mello, Executive Director, YouthNet
The Year Ahead FY2018 is a year of transition. YouthNet will be focused on raising the funds to support the operating budget and exploring new strategies to ensure the organization’s future sustainability. To that end, YouthNet will be holding a raffle in September with a target revenue of $50,000. In addition, the organization will strive to maintain its existing funding relationships and explore opportunities to further reduce costs through resource sharing. •
YouthNet will also focus internally: review existing leadership roles and recruit new board members.
•
Ensure a successful executive transition by building the bench strength of current staff through participation in the Nonprofit Executive Certificate Program and a comprehensive knowledge transfer of all organizational operational procedures.
•
Continue to explore opportunities for collaboration with other non-profits.
•
Continue to work closely with government and private partners in efforts to seek new programming opportunities and engage mentors in school more effectively.
In partnership with the Centre on Philanthropy, YouthNet will continue to build capacity within Bermuda’s nonprofit sector through the Nonprofit Executive Certificate Program In addition, YouthNet will look to build capacity within the mentoring field by partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York to offer the Mentoring Supervisory Certificate Programme. Created and administered with the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, this program is for youth practitioners and social service professionals to assist in developing, implementing, expanding or improving a mentoring program.
Theory of Change Since 2014 YouthNet has been utilizing a Theory of Change to better measure its impact. It shows YouthNet’s path from needs, to activities, to outcomes, to impact. The theory is based on an overarching belief that mentoring is a valuable resource for assisting students in realizing their full potential in school and mentors derive significant benefits from their volunteer experience. More importantly, it describes the change we want to see, that students are happy and satisfied with their lives, and feel confident in their ability to succeed. It depicts the assumptions behind our reasoning and the evidence such as the crippling impact of illiteracy, the struggles students endure in coping with environmental influences, peer pressure and making the right choices. YouthNet’s FY2017 evaluations highlights these challenges, as well as the impact mentors are having.
Impact of Mentoring YOUTHNET’S THEORY OF CHANGE Mentoring is a valuable resource for assisting students in realizing their full potential in school and mentors derive significant benefits from their volunteer service.
OUTCOMES - TRADITIONAL PROGRAMME Self (Short-Term) MENTEES
MENTORS
•
• It has allowed me to tap into how
•
When I was really sad, she (mentor) made me happy. Having a mentor is a great opportunity. You can get advice instead of going on pure knowledge-your mentor can be a sounding board. If you’re feeling down, you have someone to talk to.
youngsters these days think, what they are concerned about, and allows me to have some input that may help guide them. • It gives a sense of purpose to some people who have families that have left the nest, or don’t have children for whatever reason, who still feel they can make a contribution & who have something to offer others.
Relationships (Mid-Term) • •
My mentor is supportive while playing football at school. Having a mentor is great because you get help and they keep you out of trouble.
• I enjoy seeing how she is getting on
with her classes, what she is doing outside of school (I try to attend her track meets if able, to show my support). Her headmistress has said that she is doing excellently her first year, and I am excited about that.
Community (Long-Term) • •
I want to be a mentor so I can be a • Each one teach one! So maybe these role model to someone. 2 will be mentors one day as well. Our I want to do what my mentor is young people need positive influence. doing and be there for someone • There are so many children that are who needs to talk with someone. going through so much, that any interaction from caring, responsible and trustworthy adults could make a big difference in what choices the children make and the roads they take.
“I want to be a
mentor so I can be a
role model to some one.”
OUTCOMES - READING PROGRAMME
“Mentors make reading fun and interesting.”
Self (Short-Term) MENTEES
MENTORS
• My mentor teaches me how I
• I love interacting with (and learning from)
can have fun and read better. • I like that my mentor teaches me how to experiment with words. • I learned from my mentor to always point when reading, how to hold books up when reading and taught me how to read. • My mentor helped me learn how to read.
children at this age. • The pure joy when the mentees see the
mentors inside or outside the classroom! • There are times you may go in feeling
down or uptight, and then you come out of the session forgetting all of it. The interaction with the children reminds you of what’s important. Sometimes I think I get more out of it than they do!
Relationships (Mid-Term) • Mentors make reading fun and
interesting. • I like my mentor because she’s fun and expresses the feelings in the book. • My mentor taught me how to be friends with my reading group.
• Oh! the stories! They always have some-
• • •
•
thing to tell you. Often times funny as they have their childish and naïve spin put on how they view the world. What is really touching is when the students try to help one another. The children really valued the one-on-one attention. When I would arrive, the kids’ faces would light up and they would hug me. Made me feel like I was a part of their day they looked forward to. As a mentor, it showed me how much the children appreciated you and looked forward to seeing you.
Community (Long-Term) • I learned about being brave in
• I feel I had and certainly have a great im-
books. They didn’t give up and kept reading. • I learned how to love and care about others. • I like that my mentor reads us adventure stories and learning about the world.
pact on the students. • Hopefully they have improved their reading but also had fun doing so. • I hope that I am helping to reinforce the value of reading not just for learning but for pleasure as well. Reading is important necessary but can also be fun. • The best experience is to see the children improve over the months.
OUTCOMES - PEER PROGRAMME Self (Short-Term) MENTEES
MENTORS
• Mentors are helpful because
• Whenever we had a session I would try to
• • • • • •
they help you with school work, people problems, and organization. They (mentors) help you make decisions. You are able to talk freely about your problems. You can ask them for advice and they will give it to you. They help manage school and homework. They keep you on guard/ accountable. It’s nice to have their wisdom.
•
• • • •
make sure if she had anything she was stressed about we would talk about it. This taught me to listen and help others, even when they don’t think they need it. It has also taught me to give good advice about school. It helped me realize that I could actually help other students. Teaches you patience. Can be guidance for them since you’ve been there, done that. Taught me what I say and how I say it around children.
Relationships (Mid-Term) • We are able to show them we • I was surprised at how easy it is to talk to
are not little kids although we are labelled that way. • They were able to relate to us, we initiated conversations so it wouldn’t be awkward. • We learned how to communicate with each other. • We learned how Year 7 & 11 are similar and different in many ways.
• • • •
other people and it not be awkward. Also how good a relationship you can form with your mentee over time. It surprised me how well me and my mentee got along even with a major age difference. Though it was difficult, I really enjoyed it. I believe that I helped my mentee become more positive and less stressed. Make a difference in their lives by being a role model.
Community (Long-Term) • My mentors helped us to un-
• I think I changed my mentee for the better as
derstand what to expect as now she knows what to do in certain situawe entered middle school. tions that I helped her with. • Learned all older people, spe- • The impact of building a new friendship and cifically teens, are not scary if having an older person to talk to and rely on. you talk to them – from the • It has taught me how to teach and underoutside many seem scary but stand academically challenged students. It have huge hearts inside. also helped me to develop leadership and • How to cope with the stresses friendship skills. of school. • Disciplines you – know it’s something you should do. • To make upcoming/influence the future generation in a positive direction. • It is very rewarding knowing you are helping someone else.
“It is very rewarding knowing you are helping someone else.”
TEACHERS & COUNSELORS COMMENTS Traditional Programme • I value that it provides mentorship to some students who need to have a person who is routing for them, outside of their families. I value the fact that the program is run with integrity and accountability. I have not had any complaints about the YouthNet Program and I confidently recommend it to students and their parents without hesitation. • We have some students whose parental relationships or relationships with family or even school are strained. Having a mentor provides the experience of a healthy caring relationship and something to "look forward to" each week. Mentors make time to see their mentees and this makes children feel special. In the current climate where some parents are busy working to provide for their families, mentors are a person who is able to commit consistent time to their mentee. When children feel good about themselves and have the attention that they need, they are more likely to thrive. • That it is a fine example of how those in the wider community understand that giving to children on a consistent basis helps them to thrive. The gift a simple one....time. • The mentors who are from the community are seen interacting with the students who are enjoying the company of the people who live in our community. It certainly enhances the school environment.
Reading Programme • The students are exposed to different personalities, different nationalities, different work forces but all have the commonality of loving to read. Reading is valued. • I really enjoy watching how the students interact with the YouthNet programme and make connections to their readers and they enjoy the activities they share with them. • The mentors work with the students in small groups. Some students who are otherwise reserved in class use this opportunity to express themselves more fully. The mentors provide the students with the opportunity to interact with adults (other than parents and teachers) in a positive environment. • I value the fact that mentors are consistent and do listen to advice from the teachers. The mentors assist the teachers and are willing to direct their efforts where the teachers needs them most. Having readers read with children also adds value to the instructional program. Students look forward to the readers coming each week. The fact that the persons coming have gentle sprits and are very kind and enthusiastic is a bonus. Some children very rarely see adults away from school that are happy and nurturing, and to see them every week is a blessing. • I value their presence and their ability to interact with the students in a whole group. They are able to read a story and reinforce concepts taught in class. (The character, setting, where did the story take place, and why did the author write the story.) • Reading mentors are essential for children who don't have someone outside of the teacher to guide the development of reading skills, so they allow students to read in a more relaxed environment, with the supports they would find in the classroom.
Peer Programme • Gets the students to know kids from other grades and understand the responsibility of mentoring. • It shows the importance of comradery throughout the school and how developing relationships is important and can have a lasting impact. • It provides an opportunity for our students to improve their own performance as a student, especially as they try to be a good role model for younger students. • The opportunity for students to work with younger students and build up this invaluable skill. • I believe they provide a valuable role model for the younger student to emulate. • This has been an excellent opportunity for the students. It has taught them about timekeeping and sticking to appointments. They have had to arrange transportation and ensure that they are at [the school] in good time. It has also taught them to work with younger students as well as adults.
YouthNet Board of Directors FY2017 JON BEARD Chairman, Saltus Grammar School JEFFREY CONYERS CARLOS LEE
ANDREW GRIFFITH BAS Group JAMES GIBBONS Harbour International Trust Company Limited THE RT. REVD. NICHOLAS DILL Bishop of Bermuda JENNI ROWNTREE-ESTIS
Guy Carpenter & Company LLC KIM WILSON, JP MP AML/ATF Board
Our Partners & Donors ABS Limited Appleby Arch Capital Group Ltd. Aspen Bermuda Limited Atlantic Philanthropies Fund Axis Specialty Limited Bacardi International Limited Bank of Bermuda Foundation Bermuda Air Conditioning Ltd. Bermuda Aviation Services Ltd. Bermuda Brickyard Limited BCF Capacity Building Fund BF&M Insurance Group BGA Group of Companies Bridge Charitable Trust Fund BTC Challenger Banks Ltd. Chubb Charitable Foundation - Bermuda Class Act Designs Conyers Dill & Pearman Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation Elbow Beach Endurance Reinsurance Ernst E. Stempel Foundation EY Bermuda FIL Limited Guy Carpenter & Company, Inc. Hamilton Re Ltd. Hiscox Bermuda HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited Jardine Matheson International Services Limited Kitson and Company Ltd. Mazars Chartered Accountants Ministry of Education Oil Management Services Ltd. Partner Reinsurance Company Limited Phoenix Stores Limited RenaissanceRe Charitable Trust The Alan Oliver Sports Fund The Argo Foundation The Argus Group The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son Limited Validus Holdings XLCatlin End-to-End XL Foundation Ltd. YouthNet Board Members Private/Individual Donors A special thank you to all the companies and organizations who partnered with us for our 2017 raffle
YouthNet P.O. Box HM 2710 Hamilton, HM KX Sterling House, 2nd Floor 16 Wesley Street Hamilton, HM 11 T: 297-5400 www.youthnetbda.com YouthNet Staff: Clare Mello, Allison Hansford-Smith, Shana Bean, Stacey Kyme