A Path to Success for Every Youth

We desire to see every young person everywhere have the opportunity to thrive through the power of connection and mentoring.

An Overview of Forge Youth Mentoring

With your support, we will reach our goal to mentor 10,000 youth across the nation.

Who We Are

The staff and volunteers at FORGE Youth Mentoring all share two things in common: a dedication to the mission of mentoring and eagerness to serve.

Our Team →
Isiah and Christian, a mentoring match, smiling at the camera together while getting milkshakes.

What We Do

FORGE specializes in creating lifelong friendships through mentoring. Our research-based 1:1 mentoring programs have led to an incredible impact.

Mentoring Impact →
A mentoring match sits in an ice cream shop eating vanilla ice cream cones.

Where We Serve

FORGE operates on a chapter-model that allows the Chapter Directors to focus on program development and community impact.

Our Communities →

Our Values

FOSTERING HOPE — BUILDING CONFIDENCE — DEVELOPING RESILIENCE

FORGE Youth Mentoring is a nonprofit organization fully committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We cherish the sacred dignity of every human being and celebrate diversity as a true representation of God’s love and creative expression. We seek to build a diverse community of participants, volunteers, and staff that fully engages in the transformative experience found in mentoring across expressions of human difference.

Reconnect Generations

Partnering diverse ages to develop greater understanding, respect, and love.

Equip & Support

Quality training and ongoing encouragement for staff and volunteers.

Volunteer Empowerment

Investing in unpaid workers for key tasks to economize programming and empower the community.

Everyone Has a Story

Empathy leads to tangible help and a desire to learn from others brings wisdom.

Safety & Transparency

Protecting all participants and partners with clear guidelines and communication.

Inclusion

Serving every young person in need regardless of their circumstances.

Growth & Transformation

Through mentor relationships, kids and adults will make lasting positive change.

Strategic Excellence

Balancing a service-oriented heart and business mind to achieve our potential.

Community Driven

Partnering with local businesses and community members to fuel the mission.

Our Mission

Connecting generations to restore hope in our communities and help young people discover and pursue their full potential.

Todd Kleppin, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of FORGE Youth Mentoring, shares about his heart for reconnecting generations through mentoring to help youth and adults experience life fully.

Launch Your Mentoring Journey Today! 🚀

You already have what it takes to be a mentor – empathy and a willingness to listen. Don’t underestimate the power of connection.

Be A Mentor!

Meet Our Dedicated Team

FORGE staff and volunteers are passionate about making a difference in the community through mentorship.

A headshot of Todd Kleppin, a white male wearing a blue shirt.

Todd Kleppin

Co-Founder / National Executive Director

Simon Hart

Deputy Director

A headshot of Armando Ramirez, a hispanic male wearing a blue shirt.

Armando Ramirez

Mid-Columbia Basin Executive Director

A headshot of Dora Patchen, a African-American female wearing a grey blouse.

Dora Patchen

Mid-Columbia Basin Yakima Area Director

A headshot of Dave Hauser, a white male wearing a dark grey shirt.

Dave Hauser

Phoenix Area Director

A headshot of Paula Torrey, a white female wearing a black blouse and a sweater.

Paula Torrey

National Office Executive Assistant

A headshot of Brian Vaughan, a white male wearing a white button up shirt on a black background.

Brian Vaughan

Co-Founder / Board Member

Dave Allen

Board Member

Dave Allen

Board Member

Want to Find a Spot on Our Team?

If you share our passion for mentorship and you’re searching for a place to serve where your own calling echoes the voices of the people around you, we would love for you to join our team!

Serve with Us