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 |