Mentor Services
As with other mentoring programs, our mentorship program is loosely based on the theory of social control, where attachments to prosocial, supportive adults, a commitment to appropriate goals, and a mutually trusting relationship between the mentor and mentee (adult and youth) can allow the child to begin to feel more socially accepted and supported.
The increased level of support from adults allows kids to view themselves in a more positive light and engage in more constructive behavior. Youth who are more socially bonded have more to lose from misbehavior. Compared with the traditional School-Based Mentoring program, our mentors spend more time together with mentees (about 3 to 5 hours a week, 2 to 4 times a month, for at least 1 year).
Mentorship Goal
Goals of the one-to-one mentorship are established between the mentor, community engagement worker, and the parent/guardian, along with the child.
One goal is to develop a relationship that is mutually satisfying, where both mentor and mentee wish to come together freely on a regular basis.
Other goals may include better school attendance or grades, improving relationships with family members, learning new skills, or developing a new hobby, in addition to navigating the college process, and providing guidance.
Matches tend to engage in developmentally appropriate social activities such as going to a movie, shopping, attending a sports event, going to a restaurant, reading books, going on a hike, going to museums, or simply hanging out and sharing thoughts. According to Grossman and Garry (1997), “Such activities enhance communication skills, develop relationship skills, and support positive decision-making.
