We remain committed to nurturing the positive mentoring relationships between our current mentors and enrolled youth. However, we regret that we are no longer accepting applications or referrals for new mentors or youth. Please see more opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the lives of local children! Already a mentor and need to connect with the right volunteer person? Find the volunteer coordinator in your area:
What is a mentor? A friend. A listener. An encourager. A mentor isn't a surrogate parent or a perfect role model, but rather a real person who offers support and shares stories of personal experiences. A mentor isn't super-human, but a mentor is a hero.
What impact does a mentor have on a child's life? A significant impact. A mentor can provide guidance and support to a child who might not have it anywhere else. Training and guidance from our program staff help each mentor and mentee build trust and communication skills, resulting in stronger family and social relationships. The youth are then more equipped to avoid negative activities or peer relationships. It all helps youth develop to their full potential. All that comes out of just spending a little time together each week!
Why do these youth need a mentor? The MODEL Program is for children ages 4 to 18 who have an incarcerated parent. Children with incarcerated parents suffer significantly from a situation over which they had no control. They may live with a parent who now finds it difficult to support the family alone, with grandparents or relatives, in a foster home, or in a group home. A mentor is not there to take the role of a parent but to be a friend for a child, to listen and talk each week. This simple act of being there makes a world of difference to a child who may never have had a true friend before.