The city of Chattanooga announces the official launch of the Mentor Hub, a new tool designed in collaboration with local organizations to foster connections between community members and organizations offering mentoring services for youth. This online platform will serve as a nexus, linking individuals with varying availability, professional backgrounds, skills, and interests to mentoring opportunities that align with their unique attributes, ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both mentors and mentees, said officials.
“I’m a big believer in the power of positive mentorship and have relied on the wisdom and guidance of mentors throughout different seasons in my life,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “Strong mentors can change the trajectory of young people’s lives, which in turn change our communities. Chattanooga is full of great people, and I’m hopeful that this initiative and the ease of this tool inspires potential mentors to take the first step toward making new, powerful connections across our city.”
The Mentor Hub, accessible at chattanooga.gov/MentorHub, aims to address the need for mentorship programs in the community by facilitating seamless collaborations and encouraging positive role models for young residents. Recognizing the power of mentorship, the city of Chattanooga has partnered with local organizations to establish a database that ensures community members are paired with the most-suitable mentorship programs based on their expertise and availability, said officials.
Whether an individual wishes to dedicate a few hours a week or engage in a long-term commitment, the Mentor Hub provides a basic application that streamlines the process of finding a compatible mentoring program.
"We are thrilled to introduce the Mentor Hub as a powerful tool for connecting passionate individuals with opportunities to make a positive impact on the lives of our youth," said Chris Sands, executive director of Community Safety and Gun Violence Prevention for the Office of Community Health. "By facilitating these connections, we are investing in the potential of our young people, providing them with guidance, support, and inspiration to help shape a brighter future."
The Mentor Hub also serves as a resource for youth-oriented organizations, simplifying their search for dedicated mentors within the community. By accessing a pool of individuals from various professional backgrounds, organizations can enhance their mentoring initiatives and expand their reach to a broader audience.
Partnering organizations include:
NAL Fitness
The Bethlehem Center
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga
Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga
Bridge Refugee Services, Inc.
Green|Spaces
Chattanooga FC Foundation
Dynamo Studios
First Baptist Cares
Foster Grandparent Program
Hamilton County Coalition
Hip Hop for Humanity CHA
Kingship Chess Academy
Rising Phoenix Foundation
Sanders Remodeling, LLC.
PEAK
YCAP
The city of Chattanooga invites all community members interested in becoming mentors to visit chattanooga.gov/MentorHub.
For more information about the Mentor Hub or if an organization is interested in becoming involved, please visit Chattanooga.gov/MentorHub or email MentorHub@chattanooga.gov.