In Livingston County, New York, there are young people waiting—some for months—for an adult who simply shows up. Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston is searching for volunteer mentors to fill those gaps through HOPE, the Helping One Person Excel program, which has quietly matched hundreds of at-risk children with caring adults since its founding in 1997.
The need is both specific and urgent. HOPE serves children ages 6 through 16 who are navigating real hardship—instability at home, struggles in school, isolation in their communities. At any given moment, the program actively supports 15 to 20 young people, but a waiting list exists of others who could benefit from the steadying presence of a mentor. Research and lived experience both confirm what the program knows: when a child receives consistency, encouragement, and guidance from a dedicated adult, something shifts. They're less likely to feel alone. They're more likely to feel capable. That sense of being supported, of mattering to someone, catalyzes personal growth, emotional well-being, and positive development.
The organization is now calling for volunteers—adults at least 18 years old who are willing to commit just four hours per month. That's roughly one hour per week, a modest investment that can reshape a child's trajectory. No special expertise is required. What matters is presence and reliability.
The structure makes volunteering accessible. Catholic Charities Steuben/Livingston provides training for all mentors, conducts background checks for safety, and offers ongoing program support throughout the relationship. Jennifer Nugent, with the organization, is fielding inquiries from interested community members. Those wanting to learn more can reach her at Jennifer.Nugent@DOR.org or complete a volunteer registration form at ccsteubenlivingston.org/giving/volunteering.
The call extends beyond recruitment of mentors. Catholic Charities is also inviting community members to refer children who could benefit from HOPE—teachers, social workers, neighbors, and family members who see a young person in need of that anchor point of adult attention and belief.
For nearly three decades, HOPE has operated on a simple premise: that mentorship works, that relationships matter, and that a child facing adversity deserves someone in their corner. The waiting list suggests Livingston County families already understand this. Now the program needs the adults willing to answer that call.