What is a mentor?

A mentor has been defined as a "trusted and faithful friend, who listens, supports, and guides young people on a consistent basis over a specific period of time." To children, mentoring means having a friend who cares about them and listens to them, a role model they can look up to and who will help them achieve their dreams.

Community-based mentoring

In the Community-based mentoring program. a volunteer provides friendship, guidance, and support for the "Little" through activities that help to build self-esteem, improve school grades, and increase positive relationships. Whether they attend a ball game, spend a day at the park or just hang out, the experience makes a difference!

School-based mentoring

In the School-based mentoring program, teachers from designated schools refer youth who could benefit from additional attention and guidance. Volunteers meet with referred youth one-to-one, during the school day for one hour every week. Volunteers commit to meeting with the child for one school year and must limit their meetings to the school grounds. Mentors with youth usually spend some time on schoolwork, but they also engage in other activities including reading, eating lunch together, talking or playing games.

Site-based mentoring

In the Site-based mentoring program, a volunteer is matched with a "Little" at a local community center. They meet one hour per week participating in various activities at the community center such as playing ball, working on the computer and reading.

Volunteer Eligibility:

• Volunteer at least 16 years of age for School Based Program
• Volunteer at least 18 years of age for Community Based Program
• Volunteer must be located in the Geographical Area
• Volunteer must have access to Transportation
• Volunteer must be Committed
• Volunteer must have no Major Health Problems
• Volunteer cannot have a Criminal Background