Our Programs
Since 2015, Iron Sharpens Iron Mentoring (ISIM) has been making a positive impact by working with youth, particularly those who are vulnerable and at-risk, and more recently, those with disabilities, in juvenile detention centers and through community partnerships across Clark County, Nevada. We have achieved significant milestones over the years, such as improved school attendance and graduation rates, which have bolstered our credibility and trust within the community.
ISIM utilizes an evidence-based curriculum from One Circle Foundation to help youth develop essential skills such as leadership, cooperation, teamwork, communication, and decision-making. ISIM aims to instill crucial values, including integrity, accountability, caring, and confidence, in the youth through this program.
Youth Group Mentoring
Our program is built on a strong foundation of mentor training and structured group sessions to support the development of our mentees. Here’s how we ensure effective mentorship and program delivery:
Training
Mentors have undergone Council Facilitator Training from “The Council for Boys and Young Men” and “The Girl’s Circle,” gaining essential skills to lead our strengths-based program effectively.
Program Goals
The training equips mentors to support and guide the healthy development of boys and girls, focusing on strengths-based approaches to foster positive growth.
Structure
Each session accommodates up to 20 boys and 20 girls, divided into smaller groups of 6 to 14. Sessions last 10 to 12 weeks, with new mentees joining at the start of each session.
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The Council for Boys and Young Men® offers training and curricula to guide the facilitation of strengths-based programs which support the healthy development of adolescent and pre-teen boys and young men. In the groups, boys find belonging, build assets, and deconstruct harmful masculinity beliefs on their journey to manhood.
The model is a strengths-based approach that is informed by adolescent brain development, trauma responsive and restorative practices, masculinity research, rites of passages, and Relational-Cultural theory.
Utilizes validated, evidence based approaches including motivational interviewing, gender norms transformative strategies, resiliency and assets development, and cultural responsive approaches.
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Girls Circle® is the FIRST gender-responsive program in the country to demonstrate effectiveness in reducing delinquency ... Now listed on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs.
The Girls Circle® model, a structured support group for girls and youth who identify with female development from 9-18 years, integrates relational theory, resiliency practices, and skills training in a specific format designed to increase positive connection, personal and collective strengths, and competence.
It aims to counteract social and interpersonal forces that impede the growth and development of girls and young women by promoting an emotionally safe setting and structure within which they can develop caring relationships and use authentic voices.
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Donor funded; our generous scholarship reserve allows us to offer several mentorships. Request a scholarship for the program of your choice by completing an application today.
Parent Engagement
We are here to listen and support parents/guardians on their journey. Voluntary parent sessions provide a confidential and safe space to share and uplift one another.
Parent engagement groups will be held on the second and third of every month from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays.
Parent engagement groups are held twice during the 12-week process.
Parents are encouraged to share whatever they feel comfortable discussing and to express their concerns and exchange insights on what strategies have or have not been effective for them.
Youth Leadership
Upon graduation, youths have the opportunity to showcase their leadership skills and extend their mentorship to support others.
Peer mentors are young graduates of the youth group mentoring programs who are eager to extend their mentorship and support to others.
They'll have chances to contribute to the community through various service opportunities, giving back in meaningful ways.
They'll also have the opportunity to interact with the city council and influential figures, gaining valuable insights from their experiences.
They'll also have the opportunity to participate in various activities such as EA sports, chess, and other sports, proudly representing Iron Sharpens Iron Mentorship.
Our aim is to broaden their horizons and help them realize the abundance of opportunities the world presents. We aspire for them to develop and understand that growth often stems from exploration and venturing beyond their comfort zones.
Join ISIM to create life-changing experiences for vulnerable youth. Your involvement is not just appreciated but crucial. By joining us, you contribute to something meaningful and leave a lasting, positive impact. Your role is significant in our mission to empower and support our youth.
