The simple truth is: the more positive examples, education, or opportunities young people have in their lives, the more chances they have to succeed in today’s world as providers, protectors, and mentors to their own children and communities.
Reaching out to one child affects a community.
Our Community-Based Mentoring program is a one-year program* in which the Big and Little consistently meet 3-4 times a month. Matches are made with considerations to such things as geographic location, interests, activities, and personalities.
Spending time together is fun for both Bigs and Littles. It doesn’t require a special occasion or expensive activities; just a few times every month sharing simple things you already enjoy with a young person. Things like…
- Shooting hoops
- Playing a board game
- Sharing a pizza
- Taking a walk in the park or on the Riverwalk Trail
- Just hanging out and talking
Who are the volunteers?
Community-Based mentors desire to offer emotional support, guidance, consistency, and friendship and vary in age, gender, professions, and interests. Through a mentor’s encouragement, a boy or girl can achieve his/her potential.
Who are the youth?
Children in the Community-Based Mentoring program are children who could greatly benefit from additional adult guidance. Boys and girls are referred to the program for many reasons. Many children come from homes where quality adult attention is limited by single-parenthood, many siblings, or transitional housing, including foster care. Whatever the circumstances, these children need an adult in their lives who is caring, consistent, knows how to listen and can be a good role model.
Criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Subject to criminal background, DMV, and Child Protective Services checks
- Have a valid Virginia Driver’s license
- Have had no DUI within the past 2 years
- Have not been convicted of a felony within the past 7 years
- Are not currently on probation with the law
- Can provide proof of car insurance
*Time commitments indicated are the minimum requirements only. It is the hope that the match will continue for much longer.
