Thrift & Thrive Mentor (Volunteer Role Supporting Youth)
Role Summary
Thrift & Thrive Mentors are caring adult volunteers who are matched with one or two youth participants (ages 16–24) for an 8-week Thrift & Thrive Internship cohort. Mentors attend four Saturday workshops with their mentee(s), with dedicated mentorship time built into each workshop. There are no separate mentorship meetings or check-ins outside of the workshops.
Mentors help participants build confidence, develop leadership and workplace skills, reflect on their experiences, set goals, and complete a youth-led community awareness project.
Mentors are not counsellors or subject matter experts. Their role is to listen, encourage, ask thoughtful questions, celebrate successes, and help participants recognize their strengths and potential.
Program Summary
“Thrift & Thrive Future Leaders” is a free 8-week internship program for youth ages 16–24 that combines hands-on workplace experience at Low Entropy Foundation's Thrift & Fund community thrift store with leadership and career readiness training, mentorship, and anti-hate and anti-racism education. Participants also create a youth-led community awareness project promoting inclusion, belonging, and respect.
Time Commitment
Mentors must be available for the required mentor training and all four Saturday workshops. Please review the dates below before applying.
Mentors commit to attending:
Mentor Training (required, day and time TBA)
Saturday, October 3, 2026 10am-4pm
Saturday, October 17, 2026 10am-4pm
Saturday, November 7, 2026 10am-4pm
Saturday, November 28, 2026 10am-4pm
Location for all four workshops: Bettie Allard YMCA, 555 Emerson Street, Coquitlam, BC
Mentors are matched with one or two participants for the full cohort. No additional meetings with mentees are required between workshops.
Responsibilities
As a Thrift & Thrive Mentor, you will:
Build a positive, supportive relationship with one or two participants.
Attend all workshops and the required mentor training session.
Meet with your mentee(s) during the dedicated mentorship portion of each workshop.
Support participants in setting and achieving personal, leadership, and employment goals.
Encourage participants as they gain workplace experience through weekly internship shifts at Low Entropy Foundation's Thrift & Fund community thrift store.
Help participants develop, refine, and present their youth-led community awareness project.
Celebrate participant growth and accomplishments throughout the program.
Complete a brief mentor reflection following each workshop.
Communicate any participant concerns or support needs with program staff.
Maintain the program's mentorship boundaries, including keeping mentorship activities within scheduled program workshops unless otherwise directed by program staff.
We're Looking For People Who
Are 19 years of age or older
Have previous experience working with, supporting, coaching, teaching, or mentoring youth
Enjoy encouraging and supporting young people
Are dependable and able to commit to the required mentor training and all four workshop dates
Are positive, patient, respectful, and non-judgmental
Value diversity, inclusion, and belonging
Are comfortable listening, asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging personal growth
Can maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality
Are comfortable supporting up to two youth participants throughout the cohort
Preferred Experience
Additional experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an asset:
Education
Coaching or mentorship
Leadership or management
Human resources or career development
Community or nonprofit organizations
Social services
Retail or customer service leadership
Diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, or anti-hate initiatives
Mentors do not need to be experts in anti-racism, anti-hate, career development, or financial literacy. Relevant workshop content will be delivered by program staff and facilitators. Mentors are there to provide encouragement, reflection, and relationship-based support to their mentee(s).
Screening & Selection
To help ensure a safe and supportive environment for participants, all prospective Thrift & Thrive Mentors will complete Low Entropy Foundation’s volunteer screening and selection process, including:
Completing a volunteer application
Participating in an interview with program staff
Completing a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
Providing references, if requested
Completing the required mentor training before being matched with a participant
Mentor placements are subject to successful completion of the screening process and will be based on program needs and an appropriate match with participating youth.
Mentor Training
Before the cohort begins, all selected mentors will participate in a required mentor training session to prepare them for their role and ensure they feel confident supporting their mentee(s).
Training will cover:
An introduction to Low Entropy Foundation and the Thrift & Thrive Internship
Program goals, structure, and expectations
The role and responsibilities of a Thrift & Thrive Mentor
Building positive and supportive mentoring relationships with youth
Effective communication, active listening, and asking thoughtful questions
Strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches to supporting youth
Appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and when to involve program staff
Supporting participants with goal setting, reflection, and personal growth
Supporting youth-led community awareness projects
Understanding the mentor's role within the anti-hate and anti-racism components of the program
Workshop logistics, dedicated mentorship time, and expectations throughout the cohort
What You'll Gain
As a Thrift & Thrive Mentor, you'll have the opportunity to:
Make a meaningful difference in the lives of one or two young people
Support youth as they build confidence, workplace skills, and leadership abilities
Gain practical experience supporting youth through a structured mentorship program
Strengthen your own mentoring, leadership, communication, and active listening skills
Support the development of future community leaders
Contribute to a program that promotes inclusion, belonging, and positive community change
Connect with other mentors, volunteers, and community members
Receive a certificate recognizing your volunteer contribution
What Mentors Are NOT Responsible For
Mentors are not expected to:
Provide counselling, therapy, or crisis support
Be experts in anti-racism, anti-hate, career development, or financial literacy
Teach or facilitate the program workshops
Supervise participants' weekly thrift store shifts
Meet with mentees outside of scheduled workshops
Low Entropy staff and workshop facilitators are responsible for program delivery and participant support. Mentors are there to provide encouragement, reflection, and relationship-based support.
