In the 2014 gang assessment, mentorship was identified as one of the top strategies to reduce gang activity. Mentors have helped guide youth towards a new path and mentors with lived experience offer insight that someone who hasn't experienced life in the same way can understand, hence, mentors that "get it."

Shortly after the global pandemic hit, mentors from different organizations were asked to participate in a short survey to share their adaptations to services during the pandemic. Results show that they continue to address the root causes of violence in our community and connect youth to trusted adults while organizations around the county have continued meeting with the youth they serve by increasing contact via phone, video conferencing and at a distance, as appropriate and depending on specific youth needs. Youth who are justice involved and housed in juvenile custody also have continued to receive visits from mentors during this challenging and isolating time.

Mentors are keeping safe by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and many were advised to adjust their contact level with youth to what they felt was safe for their health and well-being. They are also maintaining activities to keep youth engaged primarily by Zoom or other video platform workshops through skill building groups, remote gaming, setting routines and leveraging other community organizations for appropriate services. Organizations have been more creative and collaborative than ever. Some programs have in-house therapists to assist with symptoms of stress and depression, whereas others are referring to outside organizations to meet client interests and other activities that are available within the community by referring to food banks, utility supports, connecting to schools and other needed resources.