Our History

Christian Association of Youth Mentoring (CAYM) grew The Christian Association of Youth Mentoring (CAYM) developed out of a meeting that was convened in Phoenix, Arizona in 2003. Approximately 15 Christian mentoring ministries met to discuss the state of youth mentoring. The realization of that, for the most part, each was going about their ministry functioning as "an island unto themselves", having to "re-invent the wheel" with each new program, made it eminently clear that a national organization was needed. A follow-up conclave in Breckenridge, Colorado in 2004 resulted in the formation of a provisional Board of Directors. Their mandate was to begin the process of forming such an organization. The CAYM was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in March 2005.

Our First Director was Hal Orr, a doctor and dedicated mentor of youth who dedicated his time to putting the creating an effective and enduring Association dedicated to helping churches and ministries develop safe and effective mentoring. Peter Vanacore took over from Hal in 2007 to build upon the foundation laid under his leadership. Peter has over 30 years of experience in youth ministry with over a quarter of a century dedicated to mentoring, especially in developing ministries to our high-risk youth and families. Hal remains a close advisor and friend to Peter.

Since it's formation, the CAYM has merged with two like-minded organizations to more effectively meet the need of the Christian mentoring community. The Christian Mentoring Institute (CMI) has become the teaching arm of the CAYM. CMI was originally started by Long Island Youth Mentoring (LIYM) in response to many requests from churches and ministries for assistance in starting or expanding their programs.

One Kid at a Time (OKAAT) was a ministry effort initiated by Stu Epperson. Feeling a strong sense that the church is called to reach out to the fatherless, within the congregation as well as the community, Mr. Epperson established OKAAT to spread that message to the churches.

Both Stu Epperson, the founder of One Kid at a Time, and John Cragg, the Executive Director of LIYM, serve on the Board of Directors of the CAYM.