
The mission of the Durham CARES Mentoring Movement is to empower middle and high school students by connecting them with dedicated college mentors who provide guidance, build confidence, and prepare them for academic success, career readiness, and lifelong achievement.
We believe that focusing on meaningful discussion between mentors and mentees, using the Wellness Mentoring Circle model, our program ensures that youth receive the tools needed to be successful contributors in the 21st century.
Our unique mentor recruitment model has allowed us to successfully connect students with first-generation and non-traditional college students, as well as veterans and mentors who have already benefited from dynamic mentoring relationships.
Durham CARES Mentoring has flourished through a dynamic partnership with North Carolina University. We are continually seeking innovative collaborations to advance our mission. If you have expertise in, or wish to develop skills related to, nonprofit administration, finance, fundraising, or social media management, now is the perfect time to join the Durham CARES Mentoring Movement. By partnering with us, you will play a vital role in shaping brighter futures for Durham’s youth and making a meaningful impact in your community.
Durham CARES Mentoring recognizes the abundance of youth-serving organizations in our community and the desire of individuals to make a positive impact. That's why we have established a collaboration with Durham's Youth Mentoring Collaborative (YMC.) The YMC has launched an online mentoring resource database across the Carolinas.
YMC’s Mentoring Map connects youth and families with mentoring programs and increases the public’s general knowledge of mentoring opportunities. Use the search function below to find the opportunity that is right for you.
Contact YMC or Durham CARES Mentoring to explore the possibilities of finding the perfect match for your youth-serving organization.

Dr. Alvera J. Lesane
Former Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Durham Public Schools

Rev. Dr. Abdue L. Knox
Senior Pastor, St. Joseph AME Church

Chairman of the Board
Penny Carroll, PhD, MSW, LSW, ACUE
Professor of Social Work
North Carolina Central University

Vice-Chair
Samara T. Bowser , MSW, CSSW, LCSW
Professor of Social Work/ School Social Worker
North Carolina Central University
Durham Public Schools

Secretary
Velez Childress, MPA, MBA
Executive Director

Rev Adrian Bullock
Board Member
Chaplain

Our affiliate team includes dedicated paid facilitators and part-time volunteer and paid mentors who are deeply committed to mentoring our youth. We also have a network of partners who join us in the mentoring movement. Together, we are driven by our strong convictions, transforming them into tangible actions. If you believe you would be a valuable addition to our team, please don't hesitate to reach out for further details.

Kyrah Taylor
Co-Affiliate Leader
Site Coordinator
Facilitator

Kela Kennedy
Site Coordinator
Facilitator

Kennedy Payton
Mentor

Zakiya Rorie
Mentor

Kai White
Mentor

Sion Bey Superville
Mentor

Sinclair Powell
Mentor

Kayla Cadlett
Mentor

JenElla Kirk
Mentor

Enoch Johnson
Mentor

Lauren Hodges
Mentor

Ashley Bush
Mentor

Mitchell Archer, Jr.
Mentor

Arielle James
Mentor

Angelo Smith
Student Ambassador

Starnisha Smith
Student Ambassador
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