Community Spotlight: Supporting Youth Through Mentor Me with somofit Member Angeles

At somofit, community extends far beyond the gym floor. It shows up in the ways our members support one another and in the ways they give back to the wider community.

One of those members is Angeles L., School Site Coordinator for Mentor Me, a youth mentoring program through the Petaluma People Services Center. The program connects trained adult mentors with students from kindergarten through high school, building supportive relationships that help young people feel encouraged, confident, and connected.

For Angeles, the work is both professional and deeply personal.

Mentor Me pairs trained, trusted adults with K–12 students for one-on-one meetings once a week, typically for about an hour. The goal is simple but powerful: give young people consistent support from someone who shows up just for them.

The program focuses on helping youth build relationships that strengthen their sense of belonging and confidence both personally and academically.

Angeles explains that the impact of mentorship often comes from the smallest, most consistent moments.

“Everyone can benefit from having an additional caring adult in their life,” she says. “It’s amazing to see how these one-on-one meetings can provide a real boost in confidence and personal growth.”

Mentoring through Mentor Me isn’t about following a strict program or curriculum. Instead, it’s about spending meaningful time together.

Activities might include playing board games, doing arts and crafts, reading, playing outdoor games, or simply sharing a snack and conversation. If a student has permission for off-campus activities, mentors and youth may visit the library, go for a walk, or spend time at a nearby park.

Mentors are also encouraged to share their own interests, whether that’s sports, hobbies, or simply talking about their work and life experiences.

While the time commitment is just one hour per week, mentors are asked to commit for two years to provide stability and consistency in the relationship. That continuity is what allows trust and confidence to grow over time.

One of the most powerful outcomes of mentorship is something that can’t easily be measured.

It’s the experience of having someone who shows up week after week simply because they care.

Through Mentor Me, Angeles has seen how these relationships help young people feel more confident, more connected to their schools, and more comfortable being themselves.

“Sometimes it’s about having someone to talk to, try new activities with, or simply spend time with in a positive way,” she explains. “Over time, those consistent interactions can help youth build self-esteem, develop social skills, and feel more comfortable being themselves.”

What begins as a simple weekly meeting often grows into a meaningful relationship that provides encouragement and stability during important developmental years.

Many people are curious about mentoring but wonder if they are the “right” person for the role.

Angeles says that question comes up often, and her answer is reassuring.

“As long as you are able to commit to meeting with your youth and have an interest in supporting a young person, you could be the right person for the program.”

For those interested, Angeles invites potential mentors to visit the Mentor Me center in Petaluma to see the space, explore the activities available, and learn more about how the program works.

You can reach her directly at Angeles@petalumapeople.org to ask questions or schedule a visit.

Outside of her work with Mentor Me, Angeles is also part of the somofit community.

She originally joined for the convenience of a gym close to home, but what kept her coming back was something more meaningful.

“I stayed because it’s more than just a place to exercise,” she says. “It’s a community that truly cares about you, your well-being, and supporting your journey.”

As someone who can feel intimidated by traditional gym environments, Angeles says somofit has always felt welcoming.

“From supportive coaches and welcoming staff to the motivation during classes and opportunities for community collaboration, somofit’s values align with mine, and I’m happy to be part of its community.”

Mentor Me is always looking for caring adults who want to make a difference in the life of a young person.

Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from something simple: showing up, listening, and letting someone know they matter.

To learn more or sign up to become a mentor, visit:
petalumapeople.org/mentor-me