Creating a Mentoring Culture Centered on Joy
Photography from MENTOR Newark’s Grand Opening ceremony provided by Fresco Arts Team.
Photography and Curation of the MENTOR Newark facilities provided by Tamara Fleming Photography.
In a city full of potential, MENTOR Newark is creating pathways for young people to thrive in their community and turn their dreams into reality. As the New Jersey affiliate of MENTOR, the National Mentoring Partnership, MENTOR Newark connects youth in Newark, New Jersey, to caring mentors who provide guidance, support, and positive role modeling. “Our mission starts with three words: joy, purpose, and opportunity,” shares Thomas Owens, Executive Director of MENTOR Newark. “Too often, when working with students—especially in communities like Newark—the focus is on what we’re protecting them from: harm, crime, or failure. But that approach can carry an assumption that without us, that’s where they’d end up. What we’re really trying to do is build something different. I always say, it’s like creating a garden. First, you till the soil, make sure the nutrients are there, and water it. Then, when the plants grow, your job is simple: keep watering them and give them light. That’s what mentoring should be. It’s not about saving kids; it’s about nurturing them so they can grow into who they’re meant to be.”
“MENTOR Newark is currently collaborating with the district on what the National Mentoring Partnership calls the “National Mentoring Connector,” a system designed to connect quality mentoring programs with schools and communities efficiently. This approach represents a shift from direct service to empowering others to scale mentoring impact throughout the city.”
– Thomas Owens
Executive Director, MENTOR Newark
Empowering Youth with Opportunities
For Owens, a commitment to community service began at just eleven years old in New York. “My father and his crew started tenant patrols in the housing projects, and I was the one who always tagged along,” he recalls. “I’d be in basements in The Bronx, sitting through tenant meetings with him. I was always by his side, and by the time I was fourteen, I knew all the boroughs.” That early exposure shaped a guiding belief: “If you stay committed and do the work, you can go wherever you want to go. And that same work becomes your protection and speaks for you, even when you’re not in the room.”
Owens went on to run nonprofits in New York and later became a founding member of the Eagle Academy for Young Men of Newark, the only all boys public school in the city of Newark. “We started the school in 2012, and I remained there until my first class of sixth graders that we recruited graduated from the 12th grade. I then moved over to my current role at MENTOR Newark, formerly Newark Mentoring Movement. When I joined, I aligned the organization with the National Mentoring Partnership, and I’ve been leading it ever since. It’s given me the chance to continue this work in a way that feels deeply personal and creative. People often ask me if I’m ever going to start an art program, and I tell them, this is my art. Working with young people, building this movement, that’s my creative work.”
MENTOR Newark works with the school district, local nonprofits, and other partners to provide training, professional development, and support for the people doing the mentoring work. “If I go into a school and start a mentoring program myself, I might be able to mentor 20 kids,” says Owens. “But if I support 20 schools in building their own programs, we can reach hundreds and exponentially grow the level of mentoring around the country. This past January, we had the opportunity to take part of our team to the National Mentoring Summit in Washington, D.C. We presented our work in front of about 2,000 people during one of the plenary sessions. We showcased what we’re doing here in Newark and discussed capacity building and how to support the people and systems that make mentoring sustainable and impactful.”
The MENTOR Newark team also secured an appropriation through Senator Cory Booker’s office and approached the Newark school district with an idea. “We suggested using a portion of this money to create a Director of Mentoring Services position within the district,” explains Owens. “The collaboration of funds and shared vision with Superintendent León, led to the creation of the first-ever role in the State of New Jersey dedicated solely to mentoring at the district level. We now have someone, Jermaine Blount, who works directly with the district and attends board committee meetings and this has made it so much easier to align mentoring with the district’s everyday work. This joint approach helps both us and the school district deliver on the mission of creating joy and a mentoring culture for young people.”
“We want to encourage them to find their own joy, because my joy isn’t their joy, it’s about discovering what lights them up. We must also approach our work with intensity and purpose, while creating meaningful opportunities for joy. That’s the cycle we’re building: joy inspires purpose, purpose creates opportunity, and opportunity brings us back to joy. We want to show our students what’s possible, give them the tools and the confidence, and then let them take off on their own. Once you wind them up, they’re ready to run.”
“Too often, when working with students—especially in communities like Newark—the focus is on what we’re protecting them from: harm, crime, or failure. But that approach can carry an assumption that without us, that’s where they’d end up. What we’re really trying to do is build something different. I always say, it’s like creating a garden. First, you till the soil, make sure the nutrients are there, and water it. Then, when the plants grow, your job is simple: keep watering them and give them light.That’s what mentoring should be. It’s not about saving kids; it’s about nurturing them so they can grow into who they’re meant to be.”
– Thomas Owens
Executive Director, MENTOR Newark
Building Capacity to Expand Mentoring
The idea of building capacity within the mentoring community developed organically as MENTOR Newark worked closely with local organizations. Owens explains that many groups wanted to bring mentoring programs into schools but faced significant barriers. “When I asked why they couldn’t get into schools, the answer was often that they lacked essential components like a curriculum, background checks, or proper training. To address these gaps, MENTOR Newark stepped in to provide training, assist with background checks, and help formalize mentoring programs.”
Through a partnership with the Newark school district, MENTOR Newark could then vouch for these programs and introduce them as credible options to be integrated into schools. Although funding is often limited, Owens emphasizes that positioning these programs correctly enables them to secure their own funding over time. “MENTOR Newark is currently collaborating with the district on what the National Mentoring Partnership calls the “National Mentoring Connector,” a system designed to connect quality mentoring programs with schools and communities efficiently. This approach represents a shift from direct service to empowering others to scale mentoring impact throughout the city.”
In reflecting on what he has learned through the process of building and growing MENTOR Newark, Owens says clarity and intentionality matter. “I’ve learned to ask a lot of questions, and we must be specific and intentional about our generosity. While community interest and requests for space or support are constant, we have to make sure every decision aligns with MENTOR Newark’s core mission of building a stronger mentoring ecosystem.”
Through a collaboration with New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), MENTOR Newark helped design a mentoring curriculum tailored for NJPAC mentors who work with younger students. “They wanted to do some small, Tiny Desk–style concerts in our main area,” shares Owens. “We also partnered with the Dodge Poetry Festival which will host two interactive events at the mentoring center that brings in poets and facilitates workshops with young people. We’re seeing more and more Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) graduate chapters choosing to hold meetings and events at MENTOR Newark. You walk in on any given day and I’m in my office in a meeting, someone else is mentoring in another room, there's a grad chapter meeting happening down the hall, and the kids are running the whole thing.”
MENTOR Newark partnered with the Newark school district to bring in middle school students every Tuesday through Thursday andoffer them lessons on graphic arts, hospitality and the culture of HBCUs and introduce them to peer leaders. “High school students, many of whom are part of the MENTOR Newark program, are the ones delivering those lessons, using a curriculum co-developed with support from consulting firm McKinsey & Company. Since launching in February 2025, MENTOR Newark youth have led over 40 sessions, reaching more than 1,000 middle schoolers across the city, and our high schoolers were leading the way. After the conclusion of one of the sessions, I watched our students sanitizing chairs, mopping floors, and cleaning up the space, without being asked. They don’t do it because we told them to, they do these tasks because they feel ownership. This is their space, and they take it seriously.”
“I’ve been here three years, and the space keeps getting better. It feels like it was made for high school students and we’re still adding our own creativity to it. Growing up in Newark, we don’t always get opportunities like this or get to be in spaces like I’m in now. What makes it different here is the trust. They see potential in me and have given me a new perspective on life. This means everything, because outside of here, people still treat me like a kid, even though I’m 17. Since I joined MENTOR Newark, I’ve opened up more. I’ve been applying to college classes, getting into programs, and that’s because of what I’m doing here. I’m forever grateful.”
– High School Student
A New Space to Call Home
In 2025, a partnership between MENTOR Newark and Edge began with a shared opportunity. Edge had office space available after transitioning to fully virtual, and MENTOR Newark was looking for a new home to grow its mission. “We had been working with a realtor to sublease the space without much success, until a mutual business contact introduced us to Thomas and shared details about the organization's mission and their need for a physical space,” shares Amy Olavarria, Executive Director Human Resources and Administration, Edge. “After all the normal formalities, I was able to meet with Thomas and hand him the keys to their new office space. It was an amazing feeling. I’ve met several of the young adults in the program, and they’re all so mature, motivated, and well-mannered. It’s inspiring to see, and MENTOR Newark is truly an incredible organization.”
Prior to the move, MENTOR Newark’s headquarters were located on a lower level of the building, where several students played an active role in building and renovating the space. “Our students were deeply involved in creating the previous space, so I wasn’t sure how they would connect with the new one,” admitted Owens. “But kids always surprise you. When they walked in, they immediately recognized the potential and were genuinely excited. They appreciated the new amenities, including the kitchen, private bathrooms, and other features we didn’t have before. Most importantly, they now have their own dedicated area, called the Student Office, which is exclusively theirs.”
Additional support with the initiative was provided by Ashley Mays and The Newark Alliance. The organization was instrumental in helping them negotiate the agreement with Edge. As a major partner, they’ve also provided critical support that enables MENTOR Newark to maintain their new downtown space. Owens knows it takes a village to bring an intiative like this to the finish line, “We are deeply grateful to City of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Newark City Council President C. Lawrence Crump, and local developer Siree Morris for their continued encouragement and advocacy for our mission and the students of Newark. Their support inspires us to keep pushing forward.”
That sense of ownership extends beyond the students. At a recent open house, the broader community showed up to explore the new space. “People were moved, and saw the students taking responsibility for the space, engaging with guests, and even leading parts of the event,” shares Owens. “There was dancing, laughter, and a strong sense of pride. Many attendees were curious how it all came together, and when they realized it came through a partnership between two organizations, it made a real impression.”
“Edge is honored to have Thomas and his organization in this space,” adds Olavarria. “Even though MENTOR Newark and Edge are two nonprofits in different industries, we share a common goal: to help and serve the people in our communities and beyond. Working with MENTOR Newark also perfectly aligned with Edge’s brand promise of CONNECTED. COMMITTED. COMMUNITY. I attended their grand opening, and the atmosphere was one of home, community, and acceptance—regardless of age or background. It was a powerful feeling of unity and peace.”
“Edge is honored to have Thomas and his organization in this space. Even though MENTOR Newark and Edge are two nonprofits in different industries, we share a common goal: to help and serve the people in our communities and beyond. Working with MENTOR Newark also perfectly aligned with Edge’s brand promise of CONNECTED. COMMITTED. COMMUNITY. I attended their grand opening, and the atmosphere was one of home, community, and acceptance—regardless of age or background. It was a powerful feeling of unity and peace.”
– Amy Olavarria
Executive Director Human Resources and Administration
Edge
Inspiring New Perspectives
For one high school student, MENTOR Newark isn’t just a place to go—it’s a place that changed how they see themselves and their future. From upgraded spaces to life-changing mentorship, the program helped them feel seen, supported, and ready to grow. “I’ve been here three years, and the space keeps getting better. It feels like it was made for high school students and we’re still adding our own creativity to it. Growing up in Newark, we don’t always get opportunities like this or get to be in spaces like I’m in now. What makes it different here is the trust. They see potential in me and have given me a new perspective on life. This means everything, because outside of here, people still treat me like a kid, even though I’m 17. Since I joined MENTOR Newark, I’ve opened up more. I’ve been applying to college classes, getting into programs, and that’s because of what I’m doing here. I’m forever grateful.”
For an 18-year-old fellow, MENTOR Newark offers more than just hands-on experience, it also nurtures self-discovery and independence. “When we were located downstairs, we had the opportunity to learn how to put up sheetrock, how to caulk, and build the space from our mentor and MENTOR Newark team member David Byre Tyre—a professional artist and designer. This program opened me up to things I never imagined doing, especially not at home or in other programs. I’m learning how to be more independent, and they tell us to ‘be selfish.’ Not in a negative way, but be selfish about your goals. Know your dreams and go after them because no one else will do it for you. Whatever we want to do in school or career wise, they fully support our dreams. It feels like a family here and I’ve had opportunities I’d never get anywhere else.”
She continues, “We just had an event with Senator Cory Booker and were able to ask him questions face to face. As a young Black woman in Newark, that’s not something I ever expected. This place is shaping who I’m becoming. It’s showing me how to help my community and care for the people around me, and that’s the kind of leader I want to be.”
Learn more about MENTOR Newark at newarkmentoring.org.