WATERVILLE — Michelle Lasselle recently was hired as the new Reach & Rise program manager by Alfond Youth Center.

Lasselle comes with 18 years of experience in social services.

Reach & Rise is a therapeutic mentoring program designed for youth 9-17 years old that are challenged by poverty, crime, truancy and single-parent households, among other social issues. Adult mentors are trained to provide safe, healthy and meaningful one-on-one relationships with youth, then are connected with a youth for 12 to 18 months.

Mentors and mentees have opportunities to participate in service projects, field trips and other engaging activities, including full access to the Alfond Youth Center and its programs and meet one to three hours once a week.

Those interested in becoming a mentor must be at least 21 years of age, come from a diverse background, spend one to three hours a week with mentee, receive 15 hours of free training over five week period, and get matched with mentee. Training starts in January.

For more information, contact Lasselle at MLasselle@AlfondYouthCenter.org or 873-0684.