L.U.K. Crisis Center, INC.

Program Overview and Background

LUK has provided mentoring in Central Massachusetts since 2002 and has been a Partner-level member of Mass Mentoring Partnership’s (MMP) Quality-Based Mentoring (QBM) initiative since 2009. LUK Mentoring integrates the Elements of Effective Practices for Mentoring into the delivery of services.

Program Services

We recruit, screen, train, and match appropriate mentors and support matches throughout their participation in the program. Mentors provide support for youth to progress toward success in school, at home, and in life. Two models are utilized: site-based for one school year (9 months) or community-based for one calendar year. Matches engage in activities at designated sites or in the community for at least one hour peer week. Virtual mentoring is utilized when matches cannot meet in person. In most cases, mentoring will be 1:1. Mentor matches also join together with staff and families for celebrations and group activities.

Target Population

The target population for this LUK Mentoring project consists of youth ages 6-17 from Worcester County, Massachusetts, who are impacted by opioids. This includes youth with family members who are currently using or have used opioids, youth at high risk for using opioids (i.e., individual, family, community risk factors for substance abuse), and youth who are currently using or have used opioids. Special attention will be paid to reaching youth who reside in the 20 Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) within Worcester County.