Welcome to the Mentor Process!
Big Pal and Little Pal System
Our program is structured to provide mentoring on Saturdays from 12-2 pm (with no tutoring every third Saturday) and “Fun Saturdays” where we do some of the events as a group listed on the calendar. We require that Mentors attend at least two child focused activities, one fundraiser and one community service event during the year.
What is Mentoring?
“A matter of trust.” Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, encouragement, friendship, and constructive examples, aimed at developing the competence and character of the Mentee. Mentoring has proved to be a powerful tool for helping young people fulfill their potential and help people bring out their strengths. “A Mentor is not a foster parent, therapist, parole officer, or cool peer,” (mentoring.org).
“By all estimates, an astounding 17.6 million young people – nearly half the population of young people between 10 and 18 years of age – live in situations that put them at risk of not living up to their potential,” according to mentoring.org.
How Mentoring Helped Us:
Ten-year-old Damari from Eaton Elementary School is one of ACFHC’s Mentees. His mom was very pleased with tutoring after Damari made A/B honor role for the first time.
After being mentored for the last four years by ACFHC and another program, fourteen-year-old TJ from Williston Middle School said that he wants to start a mentoring program when he gets older.
How to become a Mentor (aka Big Pal) Volunteer
The leadership and guidance that our mentors/tutors provide is the result of communication and continuous efforts to be a part of that child’s life and to build trust. For instance, when possible and after obtaining parental consent, mentors/tutors attend school functions such as graduation or meetings regarding the student’s individualized education plan (IEP). That way, we are able to build up the child’s self-esteem through encouragement and accomplishment recognition. We speak to program participants on a daily basis and reward the child when he receives good grades or demonstrates good behavior in other ways.
Requirements:
· Pass background check and fingerprinting.
· Ability to commute as required.
· Attend periodic meetings as required by the board.
· Completion of training developed by ACFHC.
· Willingness to devote the time it takes to handle your Mentee on a weekly basis.
How to sign up:
1. Complete a Volunteer Application (Click on Link at the bottom of this Page)
2. Once your application has been reviewed and screened by the Board of Director's. You will meet with the Case Manager who will:
· Conduct an interview with you
· Obtain a copy of your driver’s license
· Complete a reference check and run a criminal and driving record check
3. Attend Volunteer Training.
How to become a Mentee (aka Little Pal)
Requirements:
· Must be between the ages of 5–17 years old.
· Willing to have fun and learn
How to Sign up
1. Complete a Mentee Application (Click on Link at the bottom of this Page)
Thank you for your interest!
| Big Pal Mentoring Application |
| Little Pal Application |
