How You Can Help
This year, 78 local kids are discovering hope and changing their futures through Team Up—but 88 more are still waiting on the sidelines for a mentor just like you.
*Fact: Young people facing risks are 55% more likely to enroll in college or trade school if they have a mentor than those without one.
If you can’t mentor, we invite you to donate. 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.
Daveyon's Story
Meet Eric Crowley—sergeant with the Suffolk Police Department, pastor at The Dwelling Place Ministries, and dedicated mentor with The Up Center’s Team Up Mentoring Program. In this inspiring story, Eric shares why he decided to get involved with youth mentoring, how quality time and real conversations help shape brighter futures, and why giving back matters. From football games in the park to heart-to-heart talks, Eric proves that being present can change a life. His message is clear: we can’t complain about young people going down the wrong path if we’re not willing to help guide them toward the right one. Join Eric and others in making a difference—become a mentor today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re worried about your schedule, your background, or how the process works, we’ve got answers to the most common questions men ask before signing up
You don’t need a background in counseling or education to change a kid’s life. Our kids don’t need an expert; they just need aYou don’t need a background in counseling or education to change a kid’s life. Our kids don’t need an expert; they just need a reliable, positive guy to show up for them. If you can shoot hoops, grab a burger, talk about life, or help with basic homework, you are fully qualified. Plus, The Up Center team provides training and ongoing support every step of the way. reliable, positive guy to show up for them. If you can shoot hoops, grab a burger, talk about life, or help with basic homework, you are fully qualified. Plus, The Up Center team provides training and ongoing support every step of the way.
Not at all. Mentoring is about quality time, not spending money. Most matches enjoy free or low-cost activities like visiting a local park. To help out, The Up Center frequently provides mentors with free tickets to local sporting events, museums, and community activities.
We serve youth across the Southside of Hampton Roads (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach). When matching you with a mentee, our team intentionally ensures your match lives within a reasonable driving distance from your home or workplace.
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.
For Parents and Mentors
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
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.
