FAQs:

Why is mentoring important?
·      We make youth feel important and capable
·       We provide positive role models
·       We help young people face daily challenges
·       We support students in achieving their goals
·       We encourage students to stay motivated and focused

What is mentoring?
·       An on-going relationship with a student that can last from elementary through high school
·       Meeting one-on-one with a student for up to one hour per week
·       Meeting in school or on school grounds during the school day

Who are our mentors?
·         Caring adults who volunteer one hour a week to spend with a child
·         Men and women, retirees, bankers, artists, doctors, police officers, homemakers-just regular folks
·         Willing listeners who are patient, flexible, encouraging and supportive
·         It doesn’t take a particular kind of person to be a mentor-just a kind person

Who are the students we mentor?
·         Some are looking for new perspectives and approaches to help them make choices
·         Many want to develop their ability to make decisions and move beyond obstacles they encounter
·         They are just regular kids dealing with the challenges of growing up

What happens once an application is completed?
·          Careful screening through federal and state criminal & DCF background checks
·         Interview with program coordinators
·         Training in general procedures of the mentoring program, the role of a mentor, issues of confidentiality, appropriate activities for various developmental levels of children, strategies for communication, school policies and procedures 
 ·        Advanced training offering opportunities throughout the year on current topics of interest/importance  

How are mentors matched with students?
·         Students are referred by teachers, guidance counselors, social workers, parents or at the high school, self-referral
·         Discussions take place between staff and student regarding participation
·         Staff has telephone discussion with parent obtaining verbal permission
·         Formal letter sent to parent inviting student to participate with written permission slip to be signed
·         Initial match observed for 4 to 6 weeks
·         If initial match positive, continue throughout the school year

What do mentors do?
·          Show up every week and be reliable, dependable adults
·         Enjoy the time they spend with their students
·         Make a one-year commitment to the relationship with their student
·         Play games or sports (indoors or out), do arts and crafts, read, do computer projects, just talk and listen-whatever the pair decides to do together each week​ 

What on-going support does the program offer to mentors?
·         Regular updates through mentor review meetings with coordinator, other mentors and school staff
·         System provided for scheduling / coordinating meetings
·         Supervision by school / program staff
·         Information provided about appropriate activities for each child
·         Provided a broad variety of resources & materials in the school setting
·         Periodic workshops provided on various related topics
·         Group activities offered throughout the year