14 October 2009
Position:
Adult Mentor (Single adult, Couple, or Family Unit)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be an adult, 18 years or older, and out of high school (preferably not a college student)
- Must be of good character, with the attributes of a positive role-model, and value youth
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, have a good driving record, and have reliable transportation
- Must not have ever been convicted of a violent or sexual crime
Purpose:
Providing positive, healthy role modeling and companionship with an at-risk child by building a strong friendship through regular, one-on-one, fun activities (chosen by you, the child, & family)
Time Requirements:
No less than one hour per week (time may vary according to plans/activities)
Length of Commitment as a Mentor:
Minimum of one year, but may continue as long as both parties find the relationship beneficial or until the child turns 18 years of age
When Match Visits Can Be Conducted:
Visits may be made after school hours, during the evening, or on weekends as negotiated with the child and the child’s parents/guardians
Duties:
Responsible for:
- initiating regular contact with a child
- making weekly (consistent) visits with a child
- maintaining on-going contact/follow-up with the staff
- completing occasional necessary paperwork or evaluations in a timely manner
- making efforts to attend workshops/meetings intended to enhance mentoring efforts
Benefits:
- Observing the issues/experiences of today’s youth through the eyes of a child
- Gaining experience working with youth, while obtaining some training in child development issues
- Fulfillment of seeing a child develop self-confidence, establish positive values, learn new skills, and/or adopt lifelong hobbies
- Building a friendship with a child, who will likely reciprocate love and support
- Seeing a child mold into a responsible, caring adult that your guidance helped shape
Training Provided:
- Initial, four-hour orientation and training
- Occasional mentor support-group meetings
- Periodic workshops that offer insight and guidance on issues involving childhood development, stresses facing families, or mentoring challenges
Supervisor:
Mentors are directly responsible to the Director (and to the child’s family where it pertains to the direct interaction with the child – i.e. activities, schedule, etc.)
 Volunteer | [Volunteer Description pdf file] | 127 Kb |