Connections that Strengthen Futures

Bellefaire JCB connects caring adult volunteers with children and adolescents through its Jewish Youth Mentoring and Foster Youth Mentoring programs.Through consistent, one-on-one relationships, mentors help young people build life skills, develop confidence, and form meaningful connections, with ongoing professional guidance and support from Bellefaire JCB.

Mentoring at Bellefaire JCB

Jewish Youth Mentoring

Bellefaire JCB’s Jewish Youth Mentoring program, formerly known as Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters, has been strengthening lives through meaningful, long-term mentoring relationships since 1919. Serving Jewish children and adolescents ages 6–18 throughout Cuyahoga and surrounding counties, the program connects young people with caring adult mentors who provide consistent guidance, encouragement, and positive role modeling. These relationships help youth build confidence, resilience, emotional well-being, and a strong sense of identity and belonging. Supported by generous community donors and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, the program is offered at no cost to families.

What distinguishes Jewish Youth Mentoring is its clinical foundation and commitment to building lasting, successful relationships. Each match is carefully developed through a comprehensive screening, training, and matching process that considers interests, personalities, and family input. Licensed clinical social workers provide ongoing professional oversight and support to mentors, youth, and families, helping relationships grow safely and addressing challenges as they arise. By fostering meaningful connections between generations, the program creates a lasting, positive impact on the lives of both young people and their mentors.

Foster Youth Mentoring

For nearly a decade, Bellefaire JCB’s Foster Youth Mentoring Program has connected youth ages 10–21 in the permanent custody of Cuyahoga County or with a Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (PPLA) with caring, consistent adult mentors. Grounded in the nationally recognized standards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the program builds supportive relationships that foster connection, resilience, and stability during critical developmental years. Youth have an active voice in choosing a mentor from a pool of carefully screened volunteers, helping ensure matches are built on compatibility, trust, and mutual respect.

Through two monthly one-on-one community outings, quarterly group activities, and annual match celebrations, mentors and youth build lasting connections through shared experiences. Each match is thoughtfully developed with input from youth and caregivers, and ongoing communication helps support consistency and success. These relationships can become an essential source of encouragement and reliable adult support for young people who may lack a stable support system. Participation is voluntary, and youth and caregivers receive guidance throughout the process to help foster safe, meaningful, and enduring relationships.

 

Become a Mentor

Mentoring helps young people:

  • Build confidence, independence, and trust
  • Strengthen social, emotional, and communication skills
  • Develop healthy relationships and a sense of belonging
  • Explore interests, learn new skills, and try new activities
  • Navigate school, life challenges, and the transition to adulthood
  • Build a lasting connection with a caring, supportive adult

A few hours a month can make a lasting impact on a young person’s life.

When you mentor with Bellefaire, you're not doing it alone.

  • Professional guidance: Receive ongoing support from experienced, licensed professionals and program staff.
  • Thoughtful matching: Build a relationship based on shared interests, compatibility, and the young person's needs.
  • Training and preparation: Learn how to build a healthy, supportive mentoring relationship.
  • Meaningful impact: Help a young person develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

We are looking for Mentors who are:

  • At least 21 years old
  • Patient, reliable, and nonjudgmental
  • Comfortable working with young people from diverse backgrounds
  • Able to commit to twice a month visits and ongoing communication for at least one year
  • Valid driver's license, vehicle insurance, and a clean driving record
  • Willing to complete required background checks and training
  • Able to participate in ongoing meetings with a Bellefaire case manager

Previous experience working with children or teens is preferred but not required. Mentors with diverse backgrounds or life experiences are encouraged to apply.

Thank you for your interest in mentoring programs at Bellefaire JCB. 

If you have questions about becoming a mentor or enrolling a child in our program, please contact us:

Foster Youth Mentoring: Greg Vazquez-Norman, Program Supervisor
Jewish Youth Mentoring: Alexa Lipp, Director 

 

Youth Enrollment Form

Mentor Applicaton 

Work and School Reference

Personal Reference

Building Lasting Connections

Mentoring relationships give young people a trusted adult in their corner as they discover their strengths, pursue new interests, and navigate challenges. Research shows that strong connections with caring adults can be a powerful protective factor, associated with better academic outcomes, stronger social and emotional well-being, and a lower likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including substance use.

 
Over time, shared experiences and consistent encouragement help youth build confidence, recognize their potential, and feel more connected to their communities. The impact extends beyond the time spent together, creating a foundation of trust and support that can last well into adulthood.
 

Contact us to learn more and begin your journey as a mentor:

Jewish Youth Mentoring

The Jewish Youth Mentoring program (formerly known as Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters)connects Jewish children and teens ages 6–18 with caring adult mentors who serve as positive role models, trusted friends, and sources of encouragement.

How It Works
  • Who We Serve: Jewish children and teens ages 6–18
  • Personalized Matching: Matches are based on shared interests, personalities, and your child’s needs
  • Family Involvement: Parents and caregivers partner with program staff throughout the process
  • Time Commitment: Matches meet approximately twice a month for at least one year, with the goal of building a lasting relationship
  • Activities: Connect through shared interests, including games, sports, cooking, outdoor adventures, outings, and more
  • Professional Support: Each match receives ongoing guidance from a licensed clinical social worker or counselor
  • Cost to Families: Participation is free
Finding the Right Match: Thoughtful matching is key to the program’s success. Families may need to wait while we identify a mentor whose interests, personality, and strengths are a good fit for their child.
 
Enroll a Child

Jewish Youth Mentoring Enrollment Form

Become a Mentor

Becoming a mentor is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life. By sharing experiences, offering encouragement, and being a consistent presence, you can help a young person grow in confidence and build a lasting connection.
  • At least 21 years old
  • Reliable, patient, and committed
  • Interested in building a positive, lasting relationship with a young person
  • Willing to complete the application, screening, and training process
  • Able to meet with their mentee approximately twice a month for at least one year

Mentor Application

Reference Forms:

“When I was 22, a friend convinced me to become a Big Sister with Bellefaire JCB. Pow! I never expected that my Little would become one of my strongest sources of energy. The past four and a half years have been such a meaningful experience for both of us. Hannah helps me see the world clearly and I help support her dreams.” - Jewish Youth Mentoring Big Sister

 

Bowl For Bigs & Littles

 

Foster Youth Mentoring

Young people in foster care often face significant changes, uncertainty, and loss. A consistent, caring mentor can provide encouragement, friendship, and stability, helping youth navigate challenges, build confidence, and prepare for adulthood.

Bellefaire JCB’s Foster Youth Mentoring program connects young people ages 10–21 who are in the permanent custody of Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services with caring adult volunteers who offer consistent support and the opportunity to build meaningful, lasting relationships.

How It Works
  • Who We Serve: Young people ages 10–21 in the permanent custody of Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services
  • Time Commitment: Matches meet at least twice a month for at least one year, with the goal of building a lasting relationship. Between visits matches stay connected through telephone calls, texts, and/or emails.
  • Professional Support: Each match receives monthly check-ins, ongoing training, and guidance from a Bellefaire case manager
  • Outing reimbursement: Mentors may receive reimbursement of up to $100 per month for outings and mileage

Become a Mentor

Becoming a mentor is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life. By sharing experiences, offering encouragement, and being a consistent presence, you can help a young person grow in confidence and build a lasting connection.
  • At least 21 years old
  • Reliable, patient, and committed
  • Interested in building a positive, lasting relationship with a young person
  • Willing to complete the application, screening, and training process
  • Able to meet with their mentee approximately twice a month for at least one year

Mentor Application

Reference Forms:

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