The Nest is a community center for UND students and youth of the Grand Forks area to come together where UND students take on the role to volunteer as mentors for the youth.
It is a place to meet new friends, spark a new career interest, find mental health support, or connect with the community. The possibilities are endless when you join our organization.
Need to find others who relate to your mental health struggles? Want to help kids in the community? Need a safe space? Want to meet peers? Need volunteer hours? Want to get off of campus?
If you said yes to any of these questions, The Nest is the perfect place for you!
Studies have shown that volunteering can increase positive feelings in a person's life, and therefore can improve mental health.
If interested, more information about this can be found in Morse et al.'s 2020 study "Meaning in Life Trajectories Among College Students: Differential Effects of a Mentoring Program" or feel free to do any of your own research!
Outside The Nest hours
Attend a meeting once a month
During The Nest hours
Set out the snacks and activites for the day
Greet youth as they arrive
Help with homework during Homework Time
Go through the Life Lessons* with the youth
* Life Lessons are lessons that teach the youth about different helpful skills and information for school and academics, home life, and their future
The Nest will be open Saturdays and Sundays 12-5 p.m. during the semester at the Grand Forks Community Center
Fall 2023:
August 14, 2023: Registration opens for UND student volunteers.
September 5, 2023: Informative meeting for UND student volunteers who are registered (time TBD). *
Monthly meetings will take place henceforth for volunteers.
September 9, 2023: First day open for the Fall 2023 semester (Saturday).
December 3, 2023: Last day open for the Fall 2023 semester (Sunday).
Spring 2024:
January 16, 2024: First meeting for volunteers of the Spring 2024 semester (time TBD). *
Monthly meetings will take place henceforth for volunteers.
January 20, 2024: First day open for the Spring 2024 semester (Saturday).
April 28, 2024: Last day open for the Spring 2024 semester (Sunday).
* Dates subject to change based on weather or feedback from volunteers
1- College Student Mental Health Statistics https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/college-student-mental-health-statistics/