Circle Program Seeks 20 New Volunteer Mentors for Girls Across New Hampshire

PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Circle Program is seeking 20 new volunteer mentors to support girls throughout New Hampshire. The nonprofit organization, which serves girls ages 9 to 18, is currently recruiting caring adults who are willing to build meaningful relationships and provide encouragement, stability, and support to young people navigating life's challenges.

Since 1993, Circle Program has empowered girls and teens through a unique combination of one-to-one mentoring, residential summer camp, and school-year enrichment programs, all offered completely free of charge. The organization serves girls from rural communities across New Hampshire with a mission to empower, transform, and enrich lives through community, connection, camp, and mentorship.

After their first summer with Circle Program, each participant is matched with a volunteer mentor. These relationships provide girls with a trusted adult who is consistently present in their lives, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to explore new experiences.

Working closely with both mentors and mentees, Lisa Berton, Mentor Coordinator at Circle Program, says even a few hours a month can make a lasting difference in a young person's life. "Mentorship is at the heart of what makes Circle so powerful. Mentors don't need special expertise, just a willingness to listen, encourage, and show up. A few hours each month can have a lasting impact on a girl's future. These connections provide stability, encouragement, and opportunities that many girls might not otherwise have, and we're eager to welcome more mentors into our Circle community.”

Mentors and mentees spend time together doing activities they both enjoy, whether that means hiking, taking a walk, sharing a meal, cooking, attending community events, or simply talking. While the activities vary, the true value comes from building a positive and dependable relationship through regular time together.

The need for mentors has never been greater. One hundred percent of Circle participants have experienced elevated levels of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). According to the New Hampshire Women's Foundation's Status of Girls in New Hampshire report, girls in New Hampshire are twice as likely as boys to experience poor mental health, depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

Through mentorship, Circle girls gain confidence, develop healthy relationships, discover new interests, set goals for their future, and learn that they are not alone. Mentors serve as role models and advocates, helping girls recognize their strengths and reach their full potential.

While mentorship creates meaningful change for young people, many volunteers find the experience equally rewarding. In addition to supporting a young person, mentors become part of a broader community of women dedicated to making a difference. Through volunteer gatherings, trainings, and shared experiences, mentors build connections with one another while strengthening Circle Program's mission.

To become a Circle mentor, volunteers must be at least 21 years old and complete a screening process that includes background and driving record checks. Mentors must have a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance. Mentors commit to meeting regularly with their mentee and serving for a minimum of one year. They also submit monthly contact logs, allowing Circle staff to provide ongoing support and ensure successful matches.

Individuals interested in becoming a mentor can learn more and apply at www.circleprogram.org/mentorship or contact Lisa at (603) 536-4244.