Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands. – Anne Frank
Mentees are young, first time parents who may be pregnant or have a child up to one year old upon enrollment. Mentees receive support until their child is three years old or the family determines they would not like support.
After being matched, Mentees have weekly individual meetings with their Mentor. Meetings include face-to-face visits at home, in the community, phone calls, video conferencing, or at appointments.
Mentees and Mentors are invited to a large group session offered once a month. Large group sessions provide Mentees with a time to problem solve parenting needs, have fun while learning new life skills, and enjoy the company of other families. Mentors are able to bond with their Mentee and the child during large group sessions.
M.O.M.S. – Mentoring Program Components
The M.O.M.S. Program matches new mothers with a Mentor based on personality and background.
Once matched, the Mentor will:
- Provide consistent support
- Visit or call once a week
- Attend monthly large group meetings
- Work with their Mentee until the infant is three years old or until the child transitions to preschool
- Assist with building of parenting skills and mother-infant bonding
- Support or help to coordinate transportation with appointments, such as health checks or community supports
- Guide their Mentee on child development milestones and low cost parent-child activities
- Educate their Mentee about fiscal responsibility skills (such as how to balance a checkbook or open a checking account)
- Enlighten their Mentee about meal planning (such as how to create a low cost-nutritious meal)
- Introduce and refer the young mother to local resources available in the community
M.O.M.S. – Mentor Requirements
All potential mentors must go through a screening County lead screening process; including two Juvenile Court lead interviews, Delaware County’s application process, criminal background check, driving record check, and drug screen.
Potential Mentors are required to attend a training session and continue contact with Mentoring Programs Staff while matched.
Once matched, Mentors have contact with the young mother/infant until the family deems the need to withdraw or the child is age three. Contact can be made via technology, physical visit, or community activity.