Mentoring that shows up.
The Hope Center walks with 3rd–12th graders in DeSoto County through group mentoring, one-to-one relationships, and free events in the schools and churches where students already are.
WHAT WE OFFER
MENTORING THAT BUILDS FUTURE LEADERS
We provide group mentoring and one-on-one relationships for students in 3rd–12th grades. Caring adult mentors help young people find their voice, navigate challenges, and develop the confidence and character they need to thrive.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
Our outreach events offer safe, fun opportunities for youth—team-building activities, games, music, free food, and encouraging guest speakers—all completely free thanks to community support.
LIFE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Through workshops, youth-led conferences, and real-world experiences, we equip students with leadership skills, citizenship values, and the tools to become positive influencers in their schools, families, and communities.
SAFE SPACES WHERE YOUTH BELONG
We meet young people where they are—in local schools and churches—creating supportive environments that foster growth, reduce isolation, and help them build stronger academic performance, resilience, and healthy relationships.
Growing up is hard. Too many students in North Mississippi face that without a consistent adult in their corner. The Hope Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and an official affiliate of the Mentor Memphis Grizzlies Foundation. We use that mentoring model to give students a voice, a safe place to belong, and adults who will not quit on them. We have no building and no paid staff. Volunteers run the program. Every event is free for students. Every gift goes to activities, food, materials, and mentoring.
Who We Serve
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Students in 3rd-12th Grade
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DeSoto County & North Mississippi
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Youth who need encouragement, structure, and a caring adult
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Families looking for a free, safe community - not a program they have to pay for
How The Program Works
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Gather: Students attend free events and enjoy games, music, food, team-building activities, and guest speakers. This is where trust starts.
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Mentor: Students are supported in two ways:
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Group Mentoring - a team of adults with a small group of students
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One-to-One Mentoring - a consistent adult matched with a student
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Grow: Students practice leadership, citizenship, and real talk. They leave with confidence, skills, and people who know their name.
What Students Gain
Mentoring has been shown to strengthen school performance and citizenship, build leadership, and reduce bullying and isolation. In our program, students also get:
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A consistent adult who shows up
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A peer group that feels like family
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Free events, food, and activities
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Leadership conferences and youth voice
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A community that speaks life over them
What Mentors Actually Do
You are not a caseworker, tutor-on-call, or substitute parent. You are a consistent, caring adult.
Mentors
Attend events and show up on time
Mentors
Listen more than they lecture
Mentors
Encourage, don't rescue
Mentors
Model respect, follow-through, and hope
Time is real, but it is doable for working adults. If you can be faithful, you can do this.
Who Can Mentor
We need adults who love this community and will keep their commitment. Good-fit mentors usually are:
21 or older preferred and able to pass a background check
Willing to complete mentoring orientation
Someone who is dependable with a calendar and phone
Comfortable with 3rd-12th graders in group settings
You don't need a teaching degree. You need character, patience, and consistency.
OUR MENTORING GUIDE
MENTOR Memphis Grizzlies is a well-respected authority on mentoring best practices as the Tennessee affiliate of the National Mentoring Partnership. They serve as a key resource hub, delivering training, tools, and advocacy grounded in proven standards like the Elements of Effective Practice to strengthen over 50 local programs serving thousands of young people. Through this work, they help elevate the quality and impact of mentoring relationships across the Mid-South.
How to Become a Mentor
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Tell us you're interested - complete the form on this page.
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Talk with our team - we explain events, expectations, and the match process.
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Complete screening - background check and orientation.
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Show up - start in group settings, then 1:1 when the fit is right.