Youth Eastside Services (YES) was featured in The Seattle Times for its mentorship program, which emphasizes the importance of small, consistent moments in building relationships between adults and youth. The article highlights how these connections can significantly impact young people facing stress and uncertainty. For example, mentor Iyla Mitteco and her seventh-grade mentee bonded over a shared love of “Epic — The Musical,” illustrating how simple activities like listening to music can create lasting connections.

YES’s SUCCESS mentorship program pairs adult volunteers with youth aged 6 to 18, aiming to provide support and guidance. Despite facing funding challenges, the program plays a crucial role in offering mental health services, including counseling and substance-use treatment.

Mentors like Janet Morton and Zander Norris share their experiences, emphasizing the joy and creativity they find in these relationships. Morton noted the importance of helping young people build self-confidence, while Norris reflected on the initial awkwardness of connecting with a middle schooler but ultimately found the experience rewarding. The program aims to continue fostering these meaningful connections for youth in East King County.