Upcoming for 2027
Upcoming for 2027
Embedded Files
COMMUNITY GROWTH!
COMMUNITY GROWTH!
This year Volunteers For Youth and Grow Your World have teamed up to bring you our new Farm-To-Table series and provide a welcoming new home for our LifeLab Group Mentoring workshops!
Through hands-on gardening, career exploration, financial literacy, and other practical learning experiences, youth will have opportunities to grow new skills, build confidence, and discover how learning can take root in everyday life.
We are so grateful to Camellia Forest Nursery and Piedmont Feed & Garden for their generous donations and support in helping us bring this new space and program series to life! Check out our calendar and get registered below!
Meet & Greet @ Grow your world!
Meet & Greet @ Grow your world!
Come hang out with VFY for an evening of food, fun, games, and friends as we introduce youth and families to our new LifeLab space at Grow Your World!
Youth will get a chance to explore the facility, learn about what VFY has planned for 2027, and get a first look at the garden that we'll be restoring as part of our new Farm-to-Table LifeLab Series.
This is a relaxed night to connect, have fun, and see what's coming next. Dinner will be provided!
Participants Aged 13-18 | Volunteers must pass a background check before the event.
register for group mentoring lifelabs!
register for group mentoring lifelabs!
Each month VFY offers a variety of classes from financial literacy, career exploration, environmental stewardship, and so much more! Check out our calendars, find the right fit for you, and come join the VFY community! LifeLabs are open to the public, mentors, mentees, and volunteers! Bring a friend!
Participants Aged 13-18 | Volunteers must pass a background check before the event.
PLAN AHEAD! DOWNLOAD OUR CALENDARS HERE!
2027 Farm-To-Table CALENDAR-1.pdfFarm To Table
Farm To Table
Download the Farm To Table calendar HERE
Uproot-U 2027 Calendar-1.pdfuproot-u
uproot-u
Download the Uproot-U Calendar Here
2027 LifeLab Calendar (Public)-1.pdfLifelabs
Lifelabs
Download the full LifeLab Calendar HERE
More VFY opportunities
More VFY opportunities
Teen Court: Accountability, Leadership and a Second Chance
Teen Court: Accountability, Leadership and a Second Chance
Teen Court is a youth-powered justice program where real teens help their peers learn from mistakes, take responsibility, and get a fresh start. Instead of going through traditional court, participants complete meaningful sanctions, like community service or reflection work, that build accountability and real-life skills.
But Teen Court isn’t just for defendants—it’s also a place for teens to lead. Volunteers can serve as:
Jury Members – listen to the case and decide fair, constructive sanctions.
Teen Attorneys – act as prosecutors or defense counsel, giving youth a real voice in the courtroom.
Court Clerks – Learn how to help keep the courtroom running smoothly and professionally.
It’s justice with purpose: no labels, no lectures—just growth, leadership, and a chance to do better. Ages 13+
Mentorship Program: Supportive, Empowering, and Transformative
Mentorship Program: Supportive, Empowering, and Transformative
Our Mentorship Program offers two meaningful ways to serve youth through Volunteers For Youth: Long-Term Mentorship and Short-Term (Teen Court) Mentorship. Both options provide structured guidance, accountability, and positive adult support to youth in our community.
Applicants may choose one or both mentorship pathways.
Long-Term Mentorship (12-Month Commitment)
Long-Term Mentorship (12-Month Commitment)
Long-Term Mentorship is a relationship-based commitment designed to support youth growth over time.
Time Commitment:
• Approximately 3 hours every two weeks
• 12-month commitment
Program Details:
Mentors are thoughtfully matched with one youth and meet consistently to build trust, provide guidance, and support personal development. Mentors follow a structured framework while allowing room for organic connection, goal-setting, and life skills development.
This option is ideal for individuals who:
• Are seeking a deeper, ongoing mentoring relationship
• Can commit to consistent meetings over a full year
• Enjoy helping youth build confidence, accountability, and long-term goals
Short-Term Mentorship (Teen Court)
Short-Term Mentorship (Teen Court)
Short-Term Mentorship takes place through our Teen Court program and is designed for mentors who prefer flexible, as-needed service.
Time Commitment:
• On-call placement
• Sessions typically last 1.5–3 hours total
• May be completed in one or two sessions
Program Details:
Mentors are placed on an on-call list and contacted when a Teen Court case needs mentor support. Mentors work one-on-one with a youth, guiding them through a structured worksheet focused on accountability, reflection, and growth related to their case.
Once the session(s) are completed, the mentorship concludes. Mentors are then returned to the on-call list for future opportunities.
Additional Notes:
• Teen Court meets once per month per county
• Mentors may choose to serve in Orange County or Chatham County
• Sessions typically begin at 5:30 PM and conclude once cases are closed
• Youth may request to continue into long-term mentorship, but this is optional
This option is ideal for individuals who:
• Prefer short-term or flexible commitments
• Want to support youth through structured accountability work
• Are interested in the Teen Court process
Important Information
Important Information
• All mentors receive guidance and materials to support youth effectively
• Background checks and required training must be completed prior to placement
• Mentors must demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and positive role modeling
Pathways to Paydays
Pathways to Paydays
Interested in trades careers?
Interested in trades careers?
The Path to Pro Skills Program is a FREE, on-demand training program. The coursework is designed to teach transferable soft skills and how-to knowledge for a successful career in the skilled trades. Trade professionals are in-demand. Find out how to get started and why a career in the trades could be the key to your success.
(VFY is not affiliated with Home Depot and is offering this information as a resource only.)
Apprenticeship Opportunities!
Apprenticeship Opportunities!
NCTAP is an apprenticeship program designed to develop experts needed in the modern workforce. The program, based in North Carolina’s Triangle area, focuses on integrated basic training which develops technical, methodological, and social skills. The core training program utilizes a hands-on approach to develop skills across a wide range of disciplines.
Starting in the 11th or 12th grade of high school, this 4-year program is divided into modules, with classes leading to an Associate’s Degree (AAS) at a local Community College, and paid, on-the-job training at participating Triangle employers.
Past events
Past events
Teen Court
Teen Court
Youth in action! Teen Court participants learn accountability, leadership, and the power of second chances.
VFY Golf tournament 24'
VFY Golf tournament 24'
A perfect day on the greens at the Chapel Hill Country Club! Huge thanks to our sponsors Wells Fargo and Silverback Asset Management for driving youth empowerment forward in Orange County.
VFY golf tournament 25'
VFY golf tournament 25'
Another year on the fairway with our amazing sponsors, mentors, and supporters! Check out our latest fundraiser that supports youth development programs across Orange & Chatham Counties.
August
August
Uproot U: Invasive Species launched its first workshop at Blackwood Farm Park! We had focuses on removing Chinese Privet, an invasive species known to grow taller and fuller than local plants, blocking out the sun and preventing our natural environment from thriving in the sun. Removing the saves our local plant diversity.
september
september
Uproot U: Invasive Species went in for round two of Chinese Privet removal at the Blackwood Farm Park right here in Chapel Hill. Lunch was sponsored by the Jersey Mikes of Chapel Hill.
october
october
Uproot U: Invasive Species traveled to the Chapel Hill Public Works building to remove some invasive Autumn Olive that was taking over the property. We cleared a little over 300 square feet of invasive plants and really made it possible for the local plant life to thrive in its natural environment.
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