In this episode of the You Can Mentor Podcast, Zachary Garza interviews John Shearer, leader of Academy 4, a nonprofit mentoring over 4,200 fourth graders annually by partnering with local churches to build sustainable relationships with schools and families. John shares how his cancer journey led him to nonprofit work and highlights Academy Four’s programs, which equip children with leadership skills and foster community engagement. With a focus on love, service, and long-term commitment, the episode explores how mentoring transforms both children and volunteers, demonstrating the power of intentional relationships to create lasting change. https://academy4.org/

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Key Points

• Academy Four's programs include Spark Clubs and mentoring sessions.
• The mentoring program helps children develop leadership skills.
• Parents play a crucial role in their children's education and development.
• Academy Four aims to equip parents through community programs.
• The organization has a waiting list of schools wanting to join.
• John believes in the power of community involvement for positive change. Sustainability is key for community partnerships.
• Long-term commitment leads to deeper impact.
• Mentoring is about building relationships, not just numbers.
• Volunteers often receive more than they give.
• Love and service can transform communities.
• Every child deserves to feel known and cared for.
• Effective mentoring requires intentionality and structure.
• Community engagement can break down barriers.
• Relationships are reciprocal; both mentors and mentees benefit.
• The mission is to love and serve, not to fix.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Academy Four and John Shearer
05:07 John's Journey to Academy Four
09:56 The Mission and Programs of Academy Four
15:07 Building Relationships with Churches and Schools
24:55 Building Sustainable Community Partnerships
29:54 Long-Term Commitment to Schools
35:57 The Power of Love and Service
41:48 Transformative Relationships in Mentoring
47:52 Community Impact Through Mentoring

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Check out our website for more info. www.youcanmentor.com

Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza sits down with Noah McGuffey, Mentor Coordinator at Forerunner Mentoring in Dallas, Texas. Together, they dive deep into Noah’s inspiring journey—from his childhood experiences abroad to how those formative years ignited his passion for mentoring. Noah opens up about the powerful mission of Forerunner Mentoring, shedding light on the real challenges of recruiting mentors and the vital role of fostering strong relationships with both mentors and mentees. Whether you’re an experienced mentor or just starting out, Noah offers valuable insights on how to attract the right people, onboard them effectively, and show genuine gratitude for their commitment. Don’t miss out on these actionable strategies that can take your mentoring efforts to the next level.

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Takeaways

• Noah's upbringing overseas influenced his passion for mentoring.
• Forerunner Mentoring aims to fulfill the potential of young boys without father figures.
• Building relationships is key to successful mentoring.
• Recruiting the right mentors is a continuous challenge.
• Church partnerships are vital for mentor recruitment.
• Mentors need to feel supported and valued to remain engaged.
• The onboarding process is crucial for mentor confidence and safety.
• Expressing gratitude to mentors enhances their experience.
• Transformative stories often emerge from mentoring relationships.
• Creating a culture of appreciation is essential for retention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:03 Growing Up Overseas and Its Impact
05:46 The Role of Mentoring in Noah's Life
09:02 Forerunner Mentoring: Mission and Challenges
12:06 Recruitment Strategies for Mentors
14:45 Building Church Partnerships
18:02 Creating Positive Experiences for Mentors
19:55 Onboarding Process for Mentors
26:02 Retaining Mentors and Building Relationships
30:00 Stories of Transformation
38:59 Expressing Gratitude to Mentors

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If you are a mentoring leader, check out the You Can Mentor learning labs. We are a monthly leadership cohort that surrounds you with equipping and encouragement from other mentoring leaders. For an hour each month, we discuss a topic that will help you be a more equipped and encouraged leader. We have two cohorts: one for executives and one for program directors.

Check out our website for more info. www.youcanmentor.com

Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this podcast, John and Zach discuss the "motorcycle metaphor" to highlight important lessons about mentorship through John's experience riding motorcycles with his 18-year-old son. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Communication is Key: Effective communication is vital for mentoring, especially when introducing new experiences to a mentee. This includes preparing them beforehand, offering guidance during the experience, and debriefing afterward. It's crucial to anticipate challenges and communicate clearly about what to expect.
2. Superpower Observation: Mentors should be observant, noticing both verbal and nonverbal cues from their mentees. Just as John had to be extra aware of his son's safety while riding, mentors need to be attuned to their mentee's feelings and behaviors, sensing when something is off and offering support.
3. Modeling Learned Habits: Mentors should be mindful of their actions, as mentees often imitate them. John observed his son mimicking his riding posture, reminding him of the power of modeling positive habits. Mentors should lead by example, as mentees will often do what they see, not just what they hear.
4. Being Intentional: Preparation and intentionality are essential for effective mentorship. This means being intentional in conversations, actions, and even in how mentors approach situations with their mentees. It's about being present, clear, and thoughtful in every interaction.

In summary, effective mentoring requires communication, observation, intentionality, and modeling good habits. Mentors should guide, observe, and lead by example while always being prepared to learn from their own mistakes and offering grace when things go wrong.

This episode is packed with actionable tips that will take your mentoring to the next level. Whether you’re mentoring in your community, at work, or at church, these insights will make a real impact.

👉 Tune in now to learn how you can mentor like a pro!

💥 Don't forget to subscribe, share with your team, and give us that 5-star rating!

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If you are a mentoring leader, check out the You Can Mentor learning labs. We are a monthly leadership cohort that surrounds you with equipping and encouragement from other mentoring leaders. For an hour each month, we discuss a topic that will help you be a more equipped and encouraged leader. We have two cohorts: one for executives and one for program directors. Check out our website for more info. www.youcanmentor.com

Also, check out our National Christian Mentoring Gathering, which is April 16-18, 2025 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

In this episode of You Can Mentor, host Zach sits down with Annie and Dennis from Club Christ Ministries in Las Vegas, an organization dedicated to mentoring kids and transforming communities. Annie, the Program Director, and Dennis, the Henderson Center Director, share powerful stories of how their work provides hope and support to kids facing challenges like violence and poverty.

Through tutoring, leadership development, and spiritual guidance, Club Christ Ministries is creating a safe space for kids to grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. You’ll hear inspiring accounts of kids discovering their potential, breaking cycles of hardship, and embracing their faith—all thanks to the consistency and love of mentors.

This episode is a moving reminder of how one mentor can make a lasting impact, not just on a child’s life but on future generations. Don’t miss this conversation, and find out how you can be part of the mission to transform lives through mentorship.

Listen now, and visit youcanmentor.com for resources and ways to get involved! Give us that 5 star rating and share this episode with your friends. Thanks!

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, host Zachary Garza welcomes Andy Paul, a youth pastor from Salem Baptist Church in Georgia. They discuss the importance of mentoring in youth ministry, sharing personal stories and practical tips for connecting with young people. Andy shares his journey into youth ministry, the significance of radical hospitality, and the unique challenges and opportunities of mentoring in rural communities. The conversation emphasizes the value of showing up for kids, building relationships, and the lasting impact of mentorship.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
10:35 The Role of Mentoring in Youth Ministry
16:08 Mentoring in Rural Communities
28:16 The Impact of Mentorship on Youth

In this episode, Zachary Garza sits down with Maggie Middleton, a passionate advocate for youth mentoring, to explore the life-changing power of guiding the next generation. Together, they dive into Maggie's personal journey in mentoring and discuss the transformative concept of Positive Youth Development (PYD), which focuses on building strengths rather than highlighting challenges.

Maggie shares her belief that every young person is a "child of promise" and that mentors have the unique ability to see and nurture that potential. With a deep connection to faith and the inherent worth of every individual, Maggie and Zachary explore how mentoring can shape young lives, creating pathways for growth, resilience, and success.

They also unpack key concepts that can empower mentors to make a lasting impact, including the Big Three in youth development, the Five C's of positive growth, and the 40 developmental assets that contribute to a young person's thriving future.

If you're a mentor, educator, or someone passionate about empowering youth, this conversation will remind you of the importance of focusing on the positive, fostering meaningful relationships, and encouraging young people to dream big. Join us for a conversation about grace, strength, and the extraordinary potential of our youth.

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Maggie Middleton has worked for Amachi Lexington (an initiative of the Lexington Leadership Foundation), a one-on-one community-based mentoring program serving youth impacted by parental incarceration since 2010, where she is currently the program director. She also serves as a regional coach for the Leadership Foundations youth mentoring network, where she gets to encourage and serve several mentoring programs nationwide. She loves to advocate for the power of youth mentoring in communities and is passionate about connecting positive adults with the incredible young people in her program. In addition to directing Amachi, she has served as an Amachi mentor for several young women. Maggie has an M.A. In Christian Ministries from Asbury Theological Seminary and is working on her M.S. in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University. In her tiny bit of spare time, she loves to travel, read, kayak, and participate in 5k's.

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00:00: Introduction to Mentoring and Maggie's Journey

09:12: Understanding Positive Youth Development (PYD)

14:49: Empowering Young People Through Mentoring

24:21: The Connection Between PYD and Faith
28:06: The Power of Grace in Mentoring

30:24: Conversations Shape Growth

32:17: The Importance of Positive Messaging

34:27: The Big Three in Youth Development

42:18: Understanding the Five C's

48:11: Exploring the 40 Assets for Youth

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza sits down with Dr. John Trent to explore the life-changing impact of mentorship and the power of words. Dr. Trent opens up about his own journey, overcoming a difficult childhood, and the crucial role mentorship played in his healing. He highlights the importance of having someone who truly believes in you and introduces the concept of "the blessing"—a biblical idea centered around affirming and adding value to others’ lives.

Together, Zachary and Dr. Trent dive into the five key elements of blessing, including the healing power of meaningful touch, and how these elements can transform relationships. They discuss how mentorship can guide individuals through their struggles, help them recognize their worth, and inspire hope for the future. Through a powerful conversation about encouragement, faith, and the deep connections that mentors can foster, they reveal how words, touch, and genuine commitment are essential in guiding others toward growth and healing.

Download the Shareable Resource at https://www.youcanmentor.com/downloads.

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Dr. John Trent is an award-winning, best-selling author and the president of StrongFamilies.com and the Center for StrongFamilies, both organizations dedicated to strengthening marriage and family relationships worldwide. He is known for books such as The Blessing, Breaking the Cycle of Divorce, Heartshift, and Leading from Your Strengths. Dr. Trent is also the creator of the Lion, Otter, Golden Retriever, and Beaver personality framework. He holds a Master of Theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Counseling from North Central Texas Federation of Colleges and Universities. For over 40 years, Dr. Trent and his wife, Cindy, have been married and have two daughters, Kari and Laura.

00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and the Power of Words
02:01 John Trent's Personal Journey and the Importance of Relationships
06:42 The Role of Mentorship in Healing and Growth
11:42 Understanding the Concept of the Blessing
16:52 The Five Elements of Blessing and Meaningful Touch
23:24 The Power of Touch and Connection
24:26 The Importance of Spoken Words
28:10 Overcoming Lies and Seeking Encouragement
32:26 Attaching High Value Through Words
34:42 Envisioning a Special Future
36:19 Genuine Commitment in Mentorship
42:49 Pointing to Jesus in Mentorship

The Gate Youth Association is a 501(c)(3), non-profit corporation whose mission is to demonstrate Christ’s love to the youth of our community through academic, social, recreational, and spiritual activities. Currently, The Gate is open 5 days a week and serves 400 teens each week through various programs.

Their vision is a community where future generations experience, follow, and serve Christ. Considering that Tuesday Church Lunch has been in existence for 30 years and our afterschool programming has been in place for 19 years, The Gate is currently seeing their vision come alive. They see past Gate students already reaching various stages of adulthood from high school graduate to midlife and many are living proof of our mission statement. The Gate sees our past students serving as influential men and women of faith and goodwill in our community, our nation and our world. They are now helping others around them be known, encouraged and encounter Christ’s unconditional love.

Learn more at https://www.thegateyouth.org/ or @thegateyouthassoc

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