Mentor RI Calls for Volunteers During National Mentoring Month with Unique New Year’s Fundraiser

​WEST WARWICK, RI — As January marks National Mentoring Month, Mentor Rhode Island is issuing a statewide call to action for adults willing to make a difference in a young person's life. The non-profit organization, dedicated to ensuring youth have access to supportive relationships, is kicking off the new year with both a recruitment drive and a unique, physically active fundraiser.
In a recent interview with the Rhode Island Wave, Jeanine Achin of Mentor Rhode Island highlighted a critical gap in support for local youth.
"The sad fact is there's about one in three youth that do not have a supportive adult in their life," Achin said. "What mentoring does is give that youth a person that can be a support system for them."
Currently, Mentor Rhode Island oversees a network of programs serving over 300 youth through one-on-one mentoring, as well as juvenile justice initiatives that help court-involved youth get back on track. However, the need for volunteers remains high. Achin noted that while hundreds of children are currently matched, the organization had roughly 198 active mentors at the time of the interview and is actively seeking more.
The commitment required to change a life is surprisingly manageable. "It’s really just about an hour a week," Achin explained. "The impact is huge and lifelong and generational."
She cited statistics showing that 78% of mentored youth report improved academic success, while 58% see improvements in mental health and social skills. The benefits extend to the volunteers as well, with research indicating that mentors often report higher levels of happiness in their own lives and careers.
Kicking Off 2026 with the "Frozen Clam Obstaplunge"
To support these efforts, Mentor Rhode Island is partnering with local business Laid Back Fitness for their annual New Year’s Day fundraiser: The Frozen Clam Obstaplunge.
Founded 15 years ago by Ryan McGowan, owner of Laid Back Fitness and a former mentor himself, the event takes place at Goddard Park Beach on January 1st. It transforms the beach into a quarter-mile obstacle course designed to be accessible for all ages and skill levels.
"It aligns with what we do at the gym, where we help kids overcome obstacles and adults overcome physical and mental obstacles," McGowan said.
Participants run through the sand, tackling seven or eight obstacles. For the brave, the final obstacle offers an optional plunge into the winter waters. McGowan notes that the "ninja-style" training is based on natural movement—crawling, balancing, jumping, and climbing—which makes it a hit with children.
"It’s a good correlation to the challenges that the kids we mentor are facing in their everyday life," McGowan added. "It's really kind of symbolic."
How to Get Involved
Mentor Rhode Island offers various ways to volunteer, including one-on-one school-based mentoring, community-based meetings, and group mentoring. Those interested in volunteering as a mentor can visit www.mentorri.org to fill out an inquiry form.