If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or unsure where to turn—this night is for you. Let’s lift the mask together.

Youth Mentoring & Tutoring in Ohio

Every child deserves a responsible mentor, a trusted tutor, and a community that sees their potential. Our programs create safe, stigma‑free spaces where youth feel supported, valued, and connected.

Why Our Work Matters

Young people across Ohio face overwhelming pressures — academic stress, isolation, mental health challenges, and uncertainty about the future. We respond with compassion, structure, and evidence‑based support.

Our Approach

We normalize mental health conversations by creating environments where honesty is met with dignity, not judgment. Through lived experiences, mentorship, and community partnerships, we help youth build resilience and confidence.

The Masquerade Hour — A Night of Courage & Connection

If you’ve ever felt invisible or unsure where to turn, this night is for you.

We gather to celebrate courage, spark honest conversations, and remind every guest:

You are not alone. You are not invisible. You are worthy of joy.

Activity stations and photo booths will be kept open throughout, but especially during arrival and the final hour.

Kindness Card Exchange

"At the Kindness Table, you’ll find blank cards waiting for your words. Write a note of encouragement, a compliment, or a gentle truth. Drop it into someone’s envelope. You may never know the impact—but trust, it matters."

Affirmation Mask Station

Your affirmations are whispers that say: You’ve survived 100% of your hardest days. That’s a strength. Strength comes from asking for help and learning that vulnerability is not weakness. From joy, movement, and connection that interrupt isolation. From legacy moments—when we take off the mask and say, “This is me.”

🕵️‍♀️ “Guess Who?” Icebreaker Wall

You will read the back of the mask and match it with a guest at your table 

📸 Legacy Photo Booth

"Strike a pose that says: ‘I belong.’ Use a prompt card or create your own legacy moment."

Your photo booth image can become part of our Digital Gallery—a lasting tribute to courage, connection, and joy. We invite you to share your photo and a short reflection or story in our shared space. It’s a gentle way to stay connected and open the door to future mentorship circles.

How We Support Youth After the Event

Healing doesn’t happen in one night — it grows through consistent, caring relationships

Follow-Up Cards: 

Each guest will receive a card with contact info for trusted mentors, local programs, and a central coordinator (me!) they can reach out to when ready. No pressure—just a gentle invitation.

Future Gatherings: 

A few weeks later, we’ll host a cozy follow-up event where youth can reconnect, meet mentors, and reflect on their experience. It’s a space for quiet courage and new beginnings.

Mentor Match Survey: 

Youth will be invited to complete a short survey about the kind of support they’re seeking—whether emotional, academic, creative, or something else. We’ll use this to match them with mentors who truly understand their needs.

Life is tough. But no one should have to face it alone. This night is a reminder: support is real, healing is possible, and every story matters.

Our Commitment to Safety & Trust

Mentors are vetted through background checks and trained in trauma‑informed, youth‑centered support.

We prioritize confidentiality, consent, and collaboration in every interaction.

The Impact of Mentorship

Research shows youth in quality mentoring programs experience:

• Higher self‑esteem

• Stronger academic achievement

• Healthier peer relationships

• Reduced substance misuse and aggression

Fewer depressive symptoms and delinquent acts

• (Source: OJJDP)

About GrandParents Hands & Children Charity

GrandParents Hands & Children Charity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship, education, and community connection.

Invest in Education & Job Creation

Your support helps us provide free events, tutoring, mentoring, and pathways to future employment.