Mentoring

Mentoring Program

The fact that the mentoring needs of at-risk youth are growing – at the same time that there is a shortage of mentors to help them – is deeply troubling. Boys & Girls Clubs reach thousands of at-risk youth residing in our nation's most distressed communities. Clubs deliver a proven youth development strategy, access to Club services several days a week, a safe and clean environment, life-changing programs, and the opportunity to receive mentoring experiences and relationships with diverse, trained and caring staff and volunteers in a supervised and structured environment. Mentoring youth is important to the Boys & Girls Club Movement, and we are uniquely positioned to address the mentoring needs of at-risk youth residing in distressed areas — and to meet their needs based upon who and where they are.

Extensive research shows that obtaining a higher number of positive mentoring results is dependent on intentionality. This means that a structured mentoring program should include best practices such as reasonably intensive mentor screening; making matches based on shared interests; providing regular mentor training, support and supervision on a scheduled basis both before and during the match; specified expectations for frequency of contact regardless of whether the mentor is a staff person or a volunteer; parental involvement; and overall program monitoring.

Safety Implications for Mentoring Programs: The safety of Club members is critical for success. In addition to conducting thorough background checks for potential mentors, we will create and enforce a policy setting up safe parameters through which the mentoring relationship can occur.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country is looking for mentors for their mentoring program. Caring adults will be matched with youth who are in need of extra attention and guidance. Mentoring activities will take place at the Boys & Girls Club. Matches can pursue hobbies, take part in recreation, computer activities, the arts, games and other programs at the Club.

It only takes one hour a week to mentor a child. Mentoring has been proven to increase positive behaviors such as:

•Regular school attendance

•Greater self confidence

•Improved relationships

Characteristics of good mentor:

•Age 16 or above

•Gives attention and recognizes the skills and interests of each child

•Listens well and with respect

•Communicates well

•Provides Leadership and can help youth make responsible decisions

•Not judgmental

•Able to nurture the relationship and cultivate trust

•Accepts responsibility

•Maintains confidentiality

•Can assume the role of the advocate by obtaining resources for the youth

One hour a week is all it takes to make a world of difference in a child’s life.

PICK UP YOUR MENTOR APPLICATION TODAY!