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Honoring a Legacy of Hope: Monsignor Cleves

Honoring a Legacy of Hope: Monsignor Cleves

At this year’s Seeds of Hope celebration, we are proud to honor Monsignor William (Bill) Cleves—a visionary leader, educator, and unwavering advocate for young people.

Monsignor Cleves has dedicated his life to empowering others through education, mentorship, and faith. During his tenure as president of Thomas More University, he championed growth, strengthened community connections, and remained deeply committed to the success of every student who walked through its doors.

His legacy reflects the very heart of Seeds of Hope: creating opportunity, fostering connection, and believing in the potential of every young person—especially those who need it most.

Join us as we celebrate Monsignor Cleves’ incredible impact and continue the mission of planting seeds that grow into brighter futures.

Buy your ticket today!

https://mentoringplus.org/events/

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Leadership Transition at Mentoring Plus

Mentoring Plus is entering a new chapter in leadership. We extend our sincere thanks to Chris Saunders for his service to the organization. Our mentoring programs remain active, and our commitment to youth and families is unwavering. To ensure continuity, Board Chair Larry Brown will serve as Interim Executive Director while we conduct a comprehensive search for our next permanent leader.

Learn more: www.mentoringplus.org

Contact: larry@mentoringplus.org

Phone: [859.982.5895]

 

Join Our Team – Apply for Executive Director

Mentoring Plus is entering an exciting new chapter, and we’re seeking a passionate leader to guide our mission of empowering youth and families. If you have a heart for service and a vision for impact, we invite you to apply for the role of Executive Director.

Learn more and apply here: Executive Director – Newport, KY 41071 – Indeed.com

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Kitchen As A Classroom

 

Kitchen As A Classroom

– Joe Kling

The need for food is one thing we all have in common. What is available to us and how we prepare it is unimaginably diverse. As a volunteer chef at Mentoring Plus, I am extremely fortunate to have a full featured commercial kitchen available to prepare, cook and clean up after meals I serve on our youth program nights.

I am constantly learning about new food prep techniques and recipes. Cooking for large groups is not easy, especially teenagers. It takes planning, discipline, and stamina to ensure there is enough food for everyone, without an abundance of waste, while working on a tight budget. I also have to remain aware of any dietary restrictions in our groups. Some of our guests eat vegetarian, so I always try to have something on the menu for them. Often I cook extra portions of the meal, as I know some of our youths may not have much in their refrigerators at home. Some youths also have siblings who are not in our program, and wish to share the bounty with them. Preparing extra portions always goes into my planning.

You must have an itinerary and order of steps to ensure everything in the meal comes together just in time for meal service. It is always a highly orchestrated process.

I became certified as a Commercial Kitchen Food Manager. This gives our organization confidence in food handling safety and sanitation.

Occasionally I prepare dishes that our youths have probably never tasted before. I encourage them to try it. If they don’t like it they don’t have to finish it. I always have a backup option for them, to make sure no one goes away hungry. More often they discover a new taste and broaden their palette. Learning about new foods is a fun way to teach our youths about trying new things and how other people feed their families.

Our youths are learning manners of taking proper portions to ensure everyone eats before coming back for seconds. I love it when they come back for seconds. They’re also learning how to clean up after themselves and leave things in good condition for others following them. These are all life lessons that will serve them in the future.

In previous and current groups I have come to meet youths that are interested in pursuing cooking, either as a career or just for pleasure at home. We share recipes and techniques, and report back on our latest experiences. These interactions can create a bond that lasts long after the meal is finished. Sharing my enjoyment of cooking with young people makes me happy and lets me know they are curious about their world.

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A Story of Hope: From Darkness to Light

 

A Story of Hope: From Darkness to Light

A few months ago, Becky felt lost. After the tragic loss of their best friend to suicide, Becky was left in a deep, dark place, overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, sadness, and hopelessness. They didn’t know how to move forward or if they even wanted to. The weight of grief and the haunting thoughts that followed made it hard to see a way out.

That’s when Mentoring Plus stepped up. With the help of dedicated staff and volunteers, Becky began to open up about their struggles, something they’d never done before. It wasn’t an easy journey, but week by week, we were there, offering support, encouragement, and, most importantly, the space to heal.

Together, we worked through tough conversations, built trust, and slowly, Becky started to believe in themselves again. Through the lessons on coping with loss, setting small goals, and learning self-compassion, Becky discovered that healing isn’t linear, but it’s possible with the right support.

Now, months later, Becky stands tall, more confident, and with a renewed sense of self-worth. They’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers but that they deserve love, both from others and themselves. While the pain of losing their friend will always be a part of them, they’ve learned how to carry it in a way that doesn’t define their future. With the guidance of Mentoring Plus, Becky is starting to build a life full of hope, strength, and self-love—proof that no one has to go through their darkest moments alone.

If you find yourself struggling with thoughts of low self-worth or that you don’t deserve to be here, know that you do and know that you aren’t alone. You deserve to be here and the world is better with you in it.

Call or text “988” free-of-charge to connect with suicide prevention, mental health, and substance abuse counselors. Available to all Kentuckians 24/7/365.

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From Struggles to Strength

 

From Struggles to Strength: Madeline’s Journey

When Madeline first joined Mentoring Plus, life had already asked a lot of her. With her mother no longer in the picture and her father regaining trust to car for her, she was living with her grandmother, who’d stepped in to care for her. School had been a challenge, and trust didn’t come easily.

But week by week, Madeline began to find her footing in the supportive environment of Mentoring Plus. She connected with staff and peers, slowly letting her guard down and showing glimpses of the thoughtful, creative young woman underneath the surface.

One day, Madeline walked in with a handful of colorful friendship bracelets she’d made at home. She handed one to her case manager and said simply, “You’re the first adult I trust.”

That small act spoke volumes.

Today, Madeline is making strides—building real friendships, re-engaging with school, and becoming a steady, positive presence in our program. Her story is a powerful reminder of what consistency, compassion, and connection can do in the life of a young person.

You can be that trusted adult.

Mentoring Plus is always looking for caring, committed volunteers who want to walk alongside youth like Madeline. Just a few hours a week can change a life—and maybe even your own.

Learn more and apply at https://mentoringplus.org/volunteer/

or contact us at katie@mentoringplus.org.

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Mentoring Plus Golf Outing a Great Success!

On July 18, 2025, Mentoring Plus welcomed more than 120 golfers to AJ Jolly Golf Course for our annual Golf Outing — and what a day it was! Thanks to the incredible support of our players, sponsors, and volunteers, we met our fundraising goal of $20,000 to help provide life-changing mentoring and support for local youth.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this event possible — from our generous sponsors, to the golfers who joined us on the course, to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your dedication and generosity ensure that we can continue empowering young people in our community to reach their full potential.

We can’t wait to see you again next year!

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Beyond the Green: A Story of Golf, Grit, and Giving at Mentoring Plus

 

At first glance, it was just a beautiful day on the course — sunshine, good swings, and great company. But our recent Mentoring Plus Annual Golf Outing was more than just a fundraiser. It was a reminder of why we show up, week after week, for the youth in our community.

This year, the outing wasn’t just about birdies and bogeys. It was about breaking cycles, building resilience, and making space for something deeper — connection.

Teaching More Than Life Skills — Teaching Life

At Mentoring Plus, we go beyond mentoring. Our shift to focus on mental health and emotional coping skills gives at-risk youth tools many have never been given — tools to handle anger, trauma, anxiety, and stress in real time. We talk about hard things. We normalize the conversations that many kids grow up told to bury.

Because for our teens, emotional wellness isn’t optional — it’s survival.

And when we say they’re learning how to care for themselves, it turns out… they’re also learning how to care for others.

A Reward Point, A Radical Choice

In our program, youth earn reward points for showing up, setting goals, and growing. These points can be redeemed for gift cards, or items they want. It’s a small way to build motivation, celebrate progress, and give them a sense of control.

But this month, one young man did something different.

Instead of using his hard-earned points for himself, he informed us he is going to save up his points and use them for his friend- a fellow youth fighting cancer. No cameras. No push. Just pure heart.

He didn’t hesitate. Because he’s been learning that strength doesn’t always look like silence — sometimes, it looks like showing up for someone else when you know what pain feels like.

More Than a Moment — A Movement

This is what your support helps make possible.

The golf outing raised essential funds, yes — but more than that, it raised awareness. It brought our community into the mission. Every swing, every sponsor, every smile helps us continue offering something too many young people go without: a safe place, a trusted adult, and the belief that healing is possible.

From the Course to the Core

To everyone who came out, donated, or simply believed in the work — thank you. You’re part of this story now. And if one young man can choose generosity over gain in the middle of his own struggle, imagine what’s possible when we all do the same.

Because this isn’t just about mentoring.

It’s about redefining what it means to be strong.

 

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A New Home for Mentoring Plus:

We’re excited to announce that Mentoring Plus has moved to 840 Washington Avenue in Newport, Kentucky! This new space allows us to better serve our youth, mentors, and community by providing the resources and environment we need to make an even bigger impact.

Our facility now includes a gymnasium for recreational activities and team-building, classrooms for focused learning and workshops, and hangout spaces where youth can unwind and connect, an Art room for creative activities and relaxation, helping our young people feel at home, and finally a state of the art kitchen and dining area.

This move aligns with our mission of empowering youth through mentoring, education, and community support. It’s a place where we can expand our programs, welcome more volunteers, and build meaningful connections.

We invite you to visit us at our open house on November 22. Come explore the new Mentoring Plus and see firsthand how this space is transforming lives. Thank you to our community for making this possible—let’s continue building a brighter future together at our new home.

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Longtime Program Director Says Goodbye

It is with great sadness we announce that long-time volunteer and program director, Robin Anderson, has moved on from Mentoring Plus. After working with this organization for nearly ten years, Robin is pursuing other interests.

What started as a volunteer gig to work with local youth, quickly turned into a passion and eventually a career. Her experience as an educator gave her the background to connect with the teens, guide them through our curriculum, and steer the program to ever-greater heights.

Robin is the kind of person that will go to the state capital to meet with legislators, fighting for not-for-profits like M+. Then she’ll come back to Newport, and disinfect the entire building to make sure it’s safe for our students. She’ll help to plan and organize a fundraiser. Then she’ll be the first one to show up at that event and the last one to leave. M+ has been more than just a job for her, it’s been a passion. You can see that, not just because of the love she’s shown us, but because of the love and connection that the kids have with her. She’s sometimes been the last and only person that our kids will trust. And she has stepped up to be the person they needed every time.

Kevin Kennedy, the founder of M+ and the person who hired Robin, has this to say:

“Robin came to M+ in the early years as a very enthusiastic volunteer.  Her exceptional talents were soon recognized and she was offered a staff position. Robin demonstrated a passion for the M+ mission and the teens she served. Her fiery commitment to the less fortunate was unwavering. As Robin continued to grow and thrive in her work, it was obvious to everyone she was a leader and hence became our first program director. As program director she exceeded all expectations and was responsible for much of the agency’s progress. In looking back over the years, I clearly saw God’s hand in our work, and Robin was a wonderful example of His Grace impacting the lives of our kids. I extend to Robin a heartfelt thanks and  a deep sense of gratitude for her many years of hard work, passion & commitment & wish her God’s Peace as she walks her path.”

Thank you, Robin. We’ve been so blessed to have you!

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