New Youth Perspectives (NYP) is a collaborative program between Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCS) and Russian Oregon Social Services (ROSS). The program’s mission, guided the following delivery of services: provide refugee and immigrant youth with culturally and linguistically appropriate mentoring services; offer opportunities to youth to participate in service learning projects for increasing engagement with the general community; offer parent-school workshops to bridge home and school; and serve as cultural informants to families and community organizations.

Targeted population:

• Male and Female Youth from Eastern Europe
• Ages 12-18
• FOUR county area (Washington, Multnomah, Clackamas, and Clark counties)
• Must be from Eastern Europe and/or the former USSR.

NYP Goals/ Program Activities

• Mentoring one-on-one
• Parental Involvement
• Cross-Cultural Community Awareness

Volunteer Opportunities
Mentoring has been shown to improve school performance and reduce illicit drug use, underage drinking, and violence among young people. Experts say that the key reason mentoring works is that it enhances an adolescent’s self-esteem and instills a sense of hope for the future. Research consistently shows that relationships with caring adults, in addition to one’s parents, can help a young person grow up healthy.

• Weekly meeting with the mentee (minimum 1.5 hour/week for 6 months)
• Concrete help one-on-one for improved engagement in their schools and community
• Help with homework (ESL, math, reading, and other subject areas)
• Consistent support and guidance
• Attending quarterly project activities together (which focus on life skills, team building, career development, and recreation)
• Quarterly progress reports to NYP staff (additional reports, if needed)
• Intercultural and interpersonal competency for working with refugee/immigrant mentees and their families
• Complete required orientation and training sessions
• Maintain regular contacts with NYP staff.

• You are a fun person to be with
• You are a role model
• You are a friend
• You are a big brother or sisterYou are open
• You provide guidance without judgement
• You are respectful and dependable
• You are trustworthy
• You challenge the youth to reach his/her full potential

All NYP volunteers are subject to background and criminal history checks. The selected mentors will receive volunteer orientations provided by LCSNW staff, attend NYP mentor trainings, and participate in mentor/mentee quarterly activities.
To apply to become a mentor, click here.

Additional Services

Parent-School Workshops: providing workshops to parents for understanding school/educational system.  Provide information and referrals to resources and services in the general community.

Cross-Cultural Presentations: NYP will provide cross-cultural presentations to local schools and service providers working with refugees and immigrant communities.