Organization Policies
The Mentoring Program helps to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers and interns to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least six months, or the duration of their internship, whichever is longer. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.
Mentor Role
- Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship
- Serve as a positive role model and friend
- Be aware of the impact trauma has had on your mentee
- Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
- When possible, utilize community service resources
- Strive for mutual respect
- Build motivation and hope
- Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them
- Assist youth in basic skill building such as conflict resolution, communication, etc.
- Assist youth ages 15 and up in gaining skills for employment such as resume building activities, mock interviews, etc.
- Assist youth in achieving academic success through activities such as tutoring and advocating for their needs at school
Time Commitment
- Make a six-month commitment or the duration of the academic internship, whichever is longer
- Spend a minimum of eight hours per month one-to-one with a mentee
- Communicate with the mentee weekly
- Attend an initial four-hour training session and additional two-hour training sessions twice during each year of participation in the program
- Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events
- Attend wrap meetings when possible for youth involved in Wraparound
- Communicate regularly with youth’s parent and Juvenile Counselor
Participation Requirements
- Be at least 20 years old
- Be interested in working with young people
- Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
- Be willing to complete the application and screening process
- Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
- Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed
- Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
- Have access to a vehicle, auto insurance, and a good driving record
- Have a clean criminal history
- No use of illicit drugs
- No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner
- Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least five years
- Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years
Desirable Qualities
- Willing listener
- Encouraging and supportive
- Patient and flexible
- Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
Benefits
- Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals
- Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
- Gain experience working with at-risk youth
- Training sessions and group activities
- Participation in a mentor support group
- Mileage and expenses are tax deductible
- Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed
- Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participant recognition events
Application and Screening Process
- Written application
- Driving record check
- Criminal history check: state, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry
- Personal interview
- Provide three personal references
- Attend mandatory six-hour mentor training
For more information, contact Jennifer Yonker 503-846-8775
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minorities Encouraged To Apply
