T.R.U.E. Mentor Program

We’re building a better future—one boy at a time. The T.R.U.E. mentoring program supports young males who have absent fathers with building confidence, character, and community ties.

Teach One, Reach One, Uplift One, Empower One.

Two men sitting on stadium bleachers, laughing and talking, one wearing a blue sleeveless shirt and the other in a red jacket.

Strong
Boys.

Stronger Futures.

Strongest Communities.

Centerboard’s T.R.U.E Mentor program provides BIPOC boys and young men with a space tailored to give them the individualized attention necessary to nurture their growth and provide an option for a permanent life connection with a trusted mentor, circumventing DYS involvement, potential out of home placement, and future system involvement.

In Partnership with Mass Mentoring Partnership, the T.R.U.E. Mentor program helps to address the trauma, anger, hurt, and frustrations that our young men feel due to the lack of a father figure in their lives and the challenges they are facing at school and in the community as they face gang violence, substance use, academic challenges, and much more.

Meet the Mentor

Bernadette Guzman has been with Centerboard for five years, beginning her journey as a Mentor in the We Rise program. Over the years, she has taken on various roles that have deepened her understanding of her greatest passion—working with youth.

“I live by the motto, “Your current situation is not your permanent one.” I believe in empowering young people to recognize their strengths, believe in their potential, and pursue their goals with confidence.

Beyond my work at Centerboard, I remain deeply involved in youth mentorship through churches and community outreach initiatives. I support and encourage young people across Massachusetts, as well as in other states and countries, helping them grow into confident and purpose-driven individuals.”