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LifeWorks Mentorship Program

The LifeWorks one-on-one mentorship program is part of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. LGBTQ+ youth who are members of the Center, ages 12–24, have the opportunity to be matched with an adult in our community who will support them in goal-setting in their personal development, professional, and educational goals. 

Each Mentor is trained with skills to be there for their mentee—not as parents or teachers, but as people who are there to guide them in being their absolute best selves.  

The LifeWorks Mentorship program begins with a guided match meeting with the youth Mentee, Mentor and Center staff, and then continues for up to 12-months, with the Mentor and Mentee deciding how to communicate, how often to connect and what kind of activities they’d like to do together.  Many Mentorship relationships continue well beyond the official match and continue to be an important part of each other’s lives.   

Find a Mentor
Become a Mentor
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LifeWorks Mentorship Program

Learn more about LifeWorks from past participants of our mentorship program.

Find a Mentor: FAQ

How does the LifeWorks Mentorship Program work?

Adults fill out an application to be a mentor and then go through a screening, background check and training process before entering the program. Youth members of the Center’s various programs can sign up to be matched with a Mentor. Mentees will have the opportunity to look through various Mentor profiles to find someone who might match their personal and professional goals. Mentor staff facilitate supervised one-on-one match meetings, helping the youth to find the right mentor. Once matched, the Mentee and the Mentor sign an agreement which clarifies the guidelines and purpose of the Mentorship. Mentors and Mentee communicate regularly, usually weekly, sometimes in person in public spaces or virtually.

How do I become a mentee? Is there a charge?
Do you give me a mentor? How do I get matched?
What will the mentor and I do? How often do we speak?
How does It work?
What if I don't have any goals?
Can you help me with GED/school/college applications?
What if I am not out to my family?
What other services does the Los Angeles LGBT Center offer?

Become a Mentor: FAQ

How do I become a mentor?

Anyone over the age of 28 years old is eligible. You can fill out an online application to become a mentor by clicking here.

Do new volunteers get any onboarding?
Do I need to complete a Live Scan?
Do you pick my mentee?
What do/can I do with my mentee?
What if my mentee doesn’t want to work on goals?
What services does the Los Angeles LGBT Center offer?

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Youth Center

The Youth Center serves young people ages 16 to 24 who are currently at-risk of, or are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Services include meals, clothing, showers, case management, mental health support, housing referrals, education, employment and vocational programs, youth development and leadership programs, and social support.
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