Frequently asked questions

• 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 focussed.

• An ongoing relationship with a student that can last from elementary school through high school. • Meeting one-on-one with a student for up to one hour per week. • Meeting in school or on schoool grounds during the school day.

• Caring adults who volunteer up to 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.

• 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.

• Careful screening through federal and state criminal 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.

• 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 and beyond.

• Show up and be reliable, dependable adults. • Enjoy the time they spend with their students. • Make a minimum 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​.

• 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.