Mentoring Initiatives

One-third of young people report having no trusted adult in their lives. That’s not right. Every young person deserves a trusted mentor.

Today in America, more than 14 million youth under 18 are considered “at risk” of not reaching a productive adulthood. They face a constant barrage of negative influences — pressures that can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, poor academic performance, violence, and even death.

But you can help change that story.

Breakaway is a ministry of presence. We believe transformation happens through consistent relationships, not just programs. By showing up, listening, and journeying with young people through their real-life struggles and victories, we reflect the relational love of Christ and create space for lasting change.

“Go Make A Disciple” (Go MAD) is Breakaway’s life-on-life mentoring approach, rooted in Scripture and centered on authentic relationships. Through intentional, one-on-one connections between caring adults and young people, we nurture spiritual growth, strengthen biblical foundations, and cultivate accountability. Our heart is to walk alongside youth as they learn to follow Christ faithfully, live out their faith in everyday life, and grow into Christ-centered leaders who influence others for God’s Kingdom.

The Breakaway Youth Mentoring Initiative connects caring, responsible adults with young people who need the stability and encouragement of a positive role model. We believe every child should have the opportunity, confidence, character, and support needed to lead a safe, healthy, and productive life. They deserve a fair chance to discover their talents, pursue their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society. Sometimes, all it takes is one person in their corner to make a lifetime of difference.

One consistent voice can change the course of a young person’s life.

Mentoring opens the door for trust, guidance, and Gospel truth to take root where instability and hardship have often stolen hope. Many of our Breakaway kids face challenges adults could barely imagine — poverty, family crisis, parental incarceration, or the scars of trauma. But you don’t have to know it all to change a life — you just have to show up. When a caring mentor shows up week after week, it tells them, “You matter. Your future matters. God’s plan for you matters.”

For a child shaped by trauma, one consistent, caring mentor can be the bridge from pain to possibility.

For trauma-impacted children, life can feel unpredictable and unsafe. A mentor steps into that chaos as a steady, caring presence — someone they can count on week after week. Mentoring provides a safe space for kids to process their pain, rebuild trust, and experience healthy, supportive relationships. Over time, consistent encouragement helps them see their worth, discover their strengths, and believe they are capable of more than their past might suggest. Mentors model respect, patience, and kindness, guiding children toward resilience, positive choices, and a vision for a brighter future grounded in God’s love.

Don’t have time to mentor but still want to make a difference? Your support helps us connect young people with trained, Christ-centered mentors who walk alongside them through life’s struggles and victories. Together, we can break cycles of hurt, build resilience, and plant seeds of faith that will last a lifetime — and for eternity.

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Empowering Youth Through Mentoring

chattanooga youth mentor

Young people who were at risk of falling off track but had a mentor are:

  • More likely to form social resilience
  • More likely to graduate high school and enroll in post-secondary education
  • More likely to participate in community service and volunteer opportunities
  • More likely to hold leadership positions
  • More likely to become mentors themselves

Studies show that faith-based mentoring can improve social interactions, enhance overall well-being, strengthen a young person’s connection to their faith, and play a vital role in their spiritual development.

A child is waiting for someone like you.
If you’re ready to make a difference in a young person’s life, apply to become a mentor through the Breakaway Youth Mentoring Initiative. Together, we can build a better future — one relationship at a time.

Start today. Contact us and take the first step toward empowering a child’s future!f

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