Changing lives through connection, guidance, and trust
Team Up brings together caring adults and young people in meaningful, one-on-one mentoring relationships. Whether you’re a parent seeking extra support for your child or an adult ready to make a difference, Team Up creates opportunities for growth, learning, and encouragement.
For Parents
Mentors provide consistent, positive guidance to help youth set goals, build life skills, and gain confidence. They meet regularly with their mentees to offer support with goals, explore new activities, and navigate challenges. Our mentors become trusted allies, helping your child feel seen, heard, and supported.
Enrollment Qualifications:
- Children ages 6-17
- Live on the Southside of Hampton Roads: Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, or Virginia Beach
For Mentors
As a mentor, you can have a powerful, lasting impact. By showing up consistently and listening with care, you help shape a young person’s future for the better. We welcome mentors of all backgrounds and have a special need for male mentors to serve as strong, positive role models for boys in our community.
Qualifications:
- Be at least 20 years of age
- Have a valid drivers license, car insurance, and access to a vehicle
- Undergo a background check
- Commit 2 hours/week with your mentee for a minimum of a year
Our Impact
mentor/mentee matched
volunteer hours completed by mentors
students received school-based mentoring
What We Offer
- One-on-one mentoring relationships tailored to each youth’s needs
- Goal-setting, skill-building, and encouragement for academic success
- Fun outings and group activities to broaden experiences
- Training and ongoing support for mentors
Why It Matters
Research shows that having just one supportive adult outside the family can transform a child’s life. Team Up creates those connections—helping youth discover their strengths, explore their potential, and prepare for a brighter future.
School Based Programs
The Leadership Institute
The Leadership Institute is a school-based mentoring program that helps 4th grade students develop the skills and confidence needed to become positive leaders in their school. Students are selected by school staff based on their leadership potential and their need for additional support with academics, behavior, or social skills.
Participants meet weekly throughout the school year with a consistent facilitator who provides guidance, encouragement, and a trusted adult connection. Through engaging activities and discussions, students build leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, preparing them to serve as role models when they enter 5th grade. The program concludes with a special end-of-year celebration recognizing each student’s growth and achievements.
Mentoreading
Mentoreading is a literacy-based group mentoring program that helps middle school students strengthen academic, social, and emotional skills. Students who may be struggling with academics, behavior, or peer relationships meet weekly with a consistent facilitator who provides guidance and support throughout the school year.
Through shared reading experiences and meaningful group discussions, participants explore relatable stories and complex themes that encourage empathy, critical thinking, and perspective-taking. The program helps students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop positive relationships with peers and trusted adults.
Real Voices
Meet the Team
Meet the Team
I oversee the Foster Care and Team Up mentoring programs, ensuring high-quality support for youth and families across Hampton Roads. With over 20 years of child welfare experience and a Master of Social Work degree, I bring deep knowledge and dedication to my role.
As a Hampton Roads native, I’m passionate about helping children and families thrive and reach their full potential. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and engaging in community activities.
As Program Manager, I oversee the facilitation of meaningful mentoring matches and provide guidance and support to youth, families, mentors, and staff. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and bring over 15 years of experience, including training in teen dating relationships, safe sex practices, anger management, and child sexual abuse prevention.
I’m motivated by the ability to be creative in how we serve youth and families—and by the flexibility to try new ideas that help our program grow. I especially enjoy encouraging young people to become the best version of themselves and take steps toward their goals. Outside of work, I gave myself a personal challenge to hike 30 different trails in 30 days.
As a Match Support Specialist, I screen volunteers, match mentors and mentees, and provide ongoing check-ins and coaching to build impact-driven relationships. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in Human Services/Counseling from Liberty University.
I’m motivated by The Up Center’s mission to strengthen families and empower youth. I enjoy interviewing prospective mentors and families and thoughtfully matching them with a child whose interests and lived experiences align. Outside of work, I love to sing and run a small business creating personalized items.
How You Can Help
Team Up is funded entirely by community support. Your generosity helps provide life-changing guidance and opportunities for youth in our community.
Your donation directly supports mentoring activities and experiences, such as tickets to sporting events or passes to local museums, parks, and activity centers.
