When you become a mentor, you will have the opportunity to make a significant, long-term difference in the life of a young person.
A mentor is a caring and concerned adult, a good listener and guide, someone who develops a positive relationship with a young person. The mentor provides positive reinforcement and is a consistent and predictable force in a young person’s often inconsistent and unpredictable life. The T.E.A.M. Mentor Program works to pair 10-14 year old court and non-court involved youth with mentors that share similar interests. Mentors and youth will have a chance to share time and activities together that foster friendship, build self-esteem, and engage in positive behaviors that will build the youth’s awareness of their own strengths and capabilities.
The benefits of mentoring are proven are demonstrated by a 1995 national study found that young people paired with a caring adult were:
- 46% less likely to begin using drugs
- 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
- 53% less likely to skip school
- 37% less likely to skip a class
- more confident of their performance in schoolwork
- less likely to hit someone
- had improved peer and family relationships
(From a 1995 Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters)
Mentors are asked to spend a minimum of two hours per week with a young person for one year. A sustained and committed relationship is extremely important to the success of a mentor/youth partnership. If you decide to become a mentor, you must be at least 18 years old, submit to a thorough background check and attend 10 hours of training. We believe that there is an option for anyone and hope that if you have an interest in this program, contact us to find the right “fit” for you. After completing the application process you will be matched with a young person. Staff will be available to provide ongoing support to you, the young person, and the young person’s family to ensure that you have a successful partnership.