One-on-one mentoring is a core component of Homies Unidos Denver’s Community Violence Intervention approach, providing consistent, relationship-based support to young people ages 13–24 who may be experiencing factors that increase their exposure to violence or other high-risk situations.
Our approach is centered on building trust, strengthening protective factors, and supporting each young person as an individual. Mentors and credible messengers work alongside youth to understand their goals, challenges, relationships, and strengths while helping them identify realistic pathways toward safety, stability, and personal growth.
What to Expect:
- Relationship-Based Engagement: Building consistent, trusting relationships through regular one-on-one contact and meeting youth where they are.
- Individualized Support: Developing support around each young person’s goals, strengths, needs, and circumstances rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Goal Setting and Life Planning: Helping youth establish short- and long-term goals related to education, employment, relationships, leadership, personal development, and future planning.
- Violence Prevention and Intervention: Supporting youth in recognizing situations that may increase their exposure to violence, developing strategies to navigate conflict, and identifying positive alternatives.
- Conflict Resolution and De-escalation: Building communication, decision-making, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills that can help youth safely navigate conflict.
- Positive Identity and Leadership: Helping young people recognize their strengths, develop their voice, and see themselves as leaders and contributors within their families and communities.
- Resource Navigation: Connecting youth to education, employment, mental health and wellness, housing, basic needs, and other community resources when appropriate.
- Family and Community Connection: Strengthening positive relationships and support networks around the young person to increase stability and protective factors.
- Consistent Follow-Up: Maintaining engagement over time, tracking progress, adjusting support as needs change, and staying connected beyond individual interactions.
Homies Unidos Denver views mentoring as more than simply providing guidance. It is a long-term relationship-based intervention that creates trust, increases protective factors, expands opportunities, and gives young people consistent support as they navigate the conditions that can contribute to violence.
