MODEL Mentoring Program

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!

Contact Marisabel DeCasas, Program Director: (321) 397-3055
Caren Olsen, Program Supervisor: (321) 397-3096 or
Amanda Choos, Volunteer Coordinator: (321) 397-3002

Children's Home Society of Florida's Mentors Opening Doors Enriching Lives Program (MODEL) serves children ages 4 to 18 who have a parent incarcerated in a state or federal prison. Each qualified youth is matched with an adult volunteer mentor who helps guide the youth to reach his or her fullest potential. The Central Florida Division currently provides mentoring services in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.

The MODEL Mentoring Program seeks to ameliorate the adverse consequences of parental incarceration for children, including providing youth with an additional positive role model, improving school attendance and creating lasting mentoring relationships. Model mentors help alleviate the stigma attached to having an incarcerated parent. The program works to strengthen bonds between children and their incarcerated parents (when possible and appropriate) and to preserve families for at-risk children.

No clients shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Clients needing accommodations for a disability and/or clients with special communications needs should contact their Children’s Home Society of Florida worker or make their request for accommodation at the time of admission into a Children’s Home Society of Florida program.

CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA, REGISTRATION #CH180, IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE UNDER THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.