Programs

Four programs working together to build friendships, skills, and inclusive communities.

Our Programs

Creating meaningful experiences that change lives

You're With Us! programs work together to support individuals and create inclusive communities by connecting college students with young adults with disabilities to build meaningful friendships and experiences.

Mentoring Program

Peer mentor connections that build life skills, confidence, and social inclusion.

Community Based Day Support

Personalized services that help participants build skills and reach long-term goals.

Mid-Day Program

Campus outing experiences that create a safe space for social and life skill development.

Fundraising Program

Community events and partnerships that fuel our mission and expand impact.

Mentoring Program

Mutually beneficial relationships that build life skills

Throughout schooling, participants get a lot of support. Once they graduate high school, many of those supports disappear. You're With Us! helps fill that gap with support and new opportunities.

By pairing each mentee with a peer mentor according to personal needs and preferences, the program creates an individual-based learning experience, forms relationships, and builds a sense of belonging.

Mentors and mentees work on life skills like public transportation, budgeting, and grocery shopping, and practice social skills like conversation, active listening, and conflict resolution. Mentors are selected through interviews and represent sports teams, arts, computers, and other campus groups, while campus coordinators help participants find the right match.

Mentoring program activity
Peer mentors and participants build friendships on campus.

Mentor Matching

Pairs are selected based on shared interests and hobbies.

Ongoing Support

YWU staff help maintain connections and build trusting relationships.

Positive Experience Design

Participants develop a PED and long-term goals with their mentors.

Social Inclusion

Increases social inclusion on college campuses and in the community.

New Experiences

Expands exposure to new environments and activities.

Life Skill Growth

Builds social skills, communication, confidence, and independence.

Why Become a Mentee?

Each individual is unique, so the mentoring program focuses on each person's pace, preferences, and interests. Mentees learn, practice, and explore at their own speed with encouragement and company.

Why Become a Peer Mentor?

Mentors gain experience communicating with groups, negotiating with school departments, and planning activities. Along the way, they build socializing, time management, organizational, and leadership skills.

We Want You to Know

  • Mentorship interactions are built around both mentors' and mentees' comfort levels.
  • Mentors receive training and handbooks, and coordinators check in to support both mentors and mentees.
  • Mentoring is compensated at $20/hr with a commitment of 4 hours per week of social inclusion.

Apply to get support or apply to be a mentor.

Community Based Day Support

Personalized services that support the life participants want to lead

The Community Based Day Support (CBDS) program was created during COVID-19 when many services for young adults with disabilities had to pause. After high school, many supports disappear, and CBDS builds a learning community that supports the transition to adulthood.

The program is for young adults who want to be part of a community while building skills that promote independence. Our CBDS sites are called the DEN:

  • Develop independent living skills.
  • Engage in activities you are interested in.
  • Navigate your community using these acquired independent living skills.
Community Based Day Support activity
Skill building in real-world community settings.

Learning

Our curriculum rotates so participants can learn about independent living skills, career exploration, community engagement, human rights, personal interests and hobbies, and health and wellness.

Community Engagement

CBDS builds a strong community connection. In Worcester, DEN staff (the Warriors) meet Monday through Friday with dynamic day programming, including movies on Tuesdays, Open Sky on Wednesdays, and parks or museums on Thursdays.

College Engagement

Once a week, DENs go to their allotted college campus to meet mentors, make friends, and experience more social interaction.

Mid-Day Program

Campus outings that nurture social growth

You're With Us! has implemented the Mid-Day Program in both Boston and North Shore regions. This newer program started on-campus programming at several college campuses and initiated activities with high-school transition programs.

We facilitate activities based on personal needs, interests, and pace while building a community where individuals can become more adaptive to group work. We envision this program continuing to grow with more participants as the program expands.

Mid-Day program activity
Safe, supportive outings that build confidence.

North Shore Mid-Day Program

During the mid-day school break, the North Shore team takes participants to college campuses to reset for the rest of the day. After lunch, students split into small groups based on interests and meet peer mentors, attend group activities, and explore campus resources. Activities include art therapy, gym time, hiking, walks, and visits with college service dogs, plus picnic days, field days, and classroom days.

Boston Region Mid-Day Program

Implemented in spring 2023, the Boston program offers campus outings for high school special education students. Groups meet on campus, have lunch, and take tours with college students.

How to Participate

  • Apply to be a Campus Outing peer mentor or Campus Case Coordinator.
  • Spread the word to student groups, clubs, and campus organizations.
  • Talk to professors about preparing a 101-class or workshop for participants.
  • Brainstorm ideas for new campuses and communities.
Fundraising Program

Community partnerships that fuel our mission

Your generous support is critical to our goal of creating a better life for individuals in the YWU community. We rely on donations to foster social inclusion opportunities like sports teams, college groups, and peer mentoring, and partner with the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism to raise funds for the organization.

We encourage YWU friends and families to attend fundraising events, donate, support, learn more about our work, and have fun. For more information or to attend a fundraiser, visit Upcoming Events or donate here.

Fundraising events activity
Celebrations and tournaments that bring the community together.

Flutie 5K Run/Walk/Roll for Autism

The 24th annual Flutie 5K is a community experience of fun, inclusion, and celebration. You're With Us! is excited to enter our third-year partnership with the Flutie Foundation and hopes to see the YWU community come together to run, walk, or roll.

Register to join the 2023 YWU team .

Swishes for Wishes Golf Tournament

A signature event that brings supporters together on the course.

Swishes for Wishes Basketball Tournament

Community teams compete while supporting inclusive opportunities.

Annual YWU Celebration

A night to honor participants, mentors, and supporters.

Ready to get involved?

Join our community of families, mentors, and supporters creating inclusive opportunities.

Register a Participant Donate Today