PROGRAMS: MENTORING
HOW MENTORING WORKS:
Boys and girls between the ages of 8-17 are accepted into the program upon referral by their school counselors, social services, juvenile court or other human service agencies. Most of these youth are experiencing difficulties in school, at home, or with their peers. The youth participate in the program voluntarily, with parental/guardian support. They are called Junior Partners.
Adult mentor volunteers (called Senior Partners) serve as friends, role models and advocates for Junior Partners by spending time with them and taking an active interest in their well-being. They do not replace a child's parent, but rather act as an additional support. There is no typical volunteer. Senior Partners are simply adults who take the time to listen, understand and be a friend to a youth in need.
Senior and Junior Partners commit to spending an average of three hours per week, for a year together, and most partnerships continue on past that first year. A variety of services are offered to facilitate the relationship-building process. These include case management, monthly recreational activities and Life Skills activities.
SUPPORT SERVICES:
All youth and volunteers involved in Metro Denver Partners programs benefit from the many support services provided within each program, including:
Active Case Management: Partners staff provide full-time case management services to all mentors. They maintain regular contact with volunteers and youth after they are matched to oversee the healthy development of each Partnership. Staff strive to get to know the youth and their families so that volunteers can be adequately equipped with the knowledge and confidence they need to make a lasting and meaningful connection.
Monthly Group Activities: Each month we organize one free or low cost activity for all of our Partnerships. These activities provide everyone with the opportunity to interact in a positive environment, develop appropriate social skills, bond with one another and meet other Partnerships. Activities vary monthly, and may include: camping trips, ice skating, picnics, holiday parties, bowling, and arts and crafts.
Community Service Activities: Community service is an integral and educational component of the Partners model. It provides an opportunity for Partnerships to strengthen their relationships by working together as volunteers in the community. An example of an annual community service project is the Thanksgiving Food Basket Project, where Partnerships meet to collect, assemble and distribute food baskets to needy families.
Senior Partners Only Activities (SPOs): Each quarter we organize SPOs where mentors and tutors, new and experienced, get together in a fun adults-only setting. These activities are a great opportunity for volunteers to socialize and share advice and support.