To the world you may just be somebody. But to somebody, you just might be the world - Unknown
A mentor is a special person in the life of a child ages 2 to 18 in the Child Protective Services system. The Mentor commits to spending two hours once a week engaging in a variety of activities. The mentor has the opportunity to build a positive relationship with a child who has been removed from their home and may be placed in a group home, foster home or shelter. The children in the Child Protective Services system may experience multiple losses due to the removal from their home as well as possible multiple placements. These children yearn for connections with someone who is willing to spend time getting to know who they are and who enjoy going to a movie, playing ball, helping with homework, being a sounding board or whatever activities the child enjoys.
Through building a relationship with a child, the mentor is able to plan activities that bring enjoyment and fond memories for both the mentor and the child. One mentor recalled the time she took her mentee to a local clothing store. The child lost herself in playing dress up with a variety of shoes and purses. Another mentor shared that the child she works with loves art so they are making a book of her drawings for the child’s Grandfather for Christmas. A mentor who has been a volunteer for over six years shared how much her life is touched by mentoring a child. “I love to make her laugh, that is my role in her life, to bring joy and experiences she will never forget.” Whether the mentor takes the child to Mount Lemmon to play in the snow or picnics in the park, the opportunity to make a positive impact in the life of a child is priceless to both the adult and the child.
One child wrote about their mentor experience, “A mentor is someone you can talk to when you need to spill out your soul. And you never have to worry about your mentor not being there. My experience with my mentor helped me see past the negative. And I would like to share my experience with everyone.”
Mentor Requirements:
• At Least 21 years of Age
• Consistent and reliable
• Commitment: 1 year
• No Criminal history; safe driving record
• Insured car with seatbelts
For more information on being a mentor contact: Michelle Rios, 327-6779 ext. 11 or email:
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Mentor
