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Durham CARES Mentoring Movement, Affiliate of the National CARES Mentoring Movement

Our Programs

our Affiliate mission

our Affiliate mission

our Affiliate mission

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

our Affiliate mission

our Affiliate mission

  

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. 

creating partnerships

Mentoring Resource Database

Mentoring Resource Database

 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.

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Mentoring Resource Database

Mentoring Resource Database

Mentoring Resource Database

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.

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Advisory Board of Directors

Dr. Alvera J. Lesane

Former Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Durham Public Schools 


  Rev. Dr. Abdue L. Knox

Senior Pastor, St. Joseph AME Church 

Affiliate Board of Directors

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

GETTING THE JOB DONE

Our Team

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
Youth Ambassador

Angelo Smith

Student Ambassador

Starnisha Smith

Student Ambassador 

Durham CARES Highlight Gallery

    Copyright © 2026 Durham CARES Mentoring - All Rights Reserved.


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