Youth Mentoring
One-to-one matches and after-school circles for ages 9–18 — pairing local teens with caring adults for homework help, life skills, and a steady hand through the hard years.
Mentor a young person
Neighbor-led in the Riverside district
Stronger neighbors,
Stronger neighbors,
deeper roots.
We bring youth and adults together through mentoring, outreach, and shared meals — turning everyday neighbors into a community that shows up for one another, season after season.
87¢
of every dollar
goes to programs
goes to programs
14
years on the
same corner
same corner
5,200meals shared / yr
340+active volunteers
In partnership with
Riverside Library
Hillcrest Schools
United Way
Common Table Co-op
City Faith Alliance
What we do
Four ways we grow together
Every program rests on one belief: people thrive when they're known, supported, and given a real chance to give back.
Adult Outreach
Job-readiness workshops, ESL conversation groups, and a warm-line for neighbors navigating housing, healthcare, and benefits — practical help offered with dignity, never judgment.
Connect a neighborFood & Resources
Our no-cost pantry and Friday community fridge keep fresh produce and staples flowing — plus diapers, school supplies, and warm coats when the seasons turn cold.
Stock the pantryCommunity Events
Block parties, the fall Harvest Potluck, repair cafés, and free family movie nights — open-door gatherings where the whole neighborhood pulls up to the same table.
Join the next event
Why we exist
We don't parachute in. We put down roots.
Our Common Roots began in 2012 with a handful of Riverside neighbors tired of watching good people fall through the cracks. More than a decade on, we're still here — same corner, same open door — because real change moves at the speed of trust.
Neighbor-led, not top-down
The people we serve help shape every program — because they know best what their block actually needs.
Transparent with every dollar
87 cents of each dollar goes straight to programs, and our annual report is posted online for anyone to read.
Here for the long season
We measure success in years and relationships, not one-off handouts — showing up rain or shine since day one.
Our impact
A year of showing up, by the numbers
Real outcomes from the 2025 program year — every figure tracked independently and shared in our annual community report.
0
youth matched with a mentor
0
meals & grocery boxes shared
0
of mentees advanced a grade level
0
volunteer hours given by neighbors
In their words
Stories from our block
The roots we plant together show up in the lives of real Riverside neighbors.
My mentor didn't just help me with algebra. She showed up to my graduation — and now I'm the first in my family headed to college.
DM
Destiny M.Mentee, class of 2025
When I lost my job, the outreach team helped me redo my résumé and stocked my fridge. I came back this year as a volunteer to do the same for someone else.
RT
Ray T.Neighbor & volunteer
The Harvest Potluck is the one night a year my whole street actually talks to each other. That's not small — that's where real community starts.
AO
Amara O.Resident, Maple Street
Get involved
Plant something good in your community.
Give an hour or a gift and you help a young person find a mentor, a neighbor find their footing, and a whole block find each other. Every bit takes root.
Give monthly$25/mo sponsors a youth mentor match for a full year.
Volunteer your timeMentor, sort the pantry, or staff an event — flexible shifts.
Partner or sponsorLocal businesses can power a program or host a drive.
Reach out
Let's grow something together
Have a question, want to volunteer, or know a neighbor who needs a hand? Our door is open, and a real person will get back to you within two business days.
Email ushello@ourcommonroot.org
Call the warm-line(503) 555-0142
Visit the hub418 Maple Street, Riverside
Pantry hoursTue & Fri, 10am – 4pm
Stay connected
Join Our Common Roots
Register to receive our newsletter, invitations to neighborhood events, and volunteer opportunities — straight from our team. It's how we keep neighbors in the loop, season after season.
Register now
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