The Mentoring Program
The Good Shepherd Services Mentoring Program
As part of an ongoing effort to address the needs of the participants in our foster care programs, Good Shepherd Services created The Mentoring Program two decades ago.
The Good Shepherd Mentoring Program is a strengths-based support network designed to support, actively connect and engage the needs, goals, and interests of the mentees in our Youth and Family Well-Being Division.
Our mission is to recruit and train mentors to work with mentees in a holistic and multifaceted way. Our mentors are trained with the mindset of working with mentees that live in communities that have been disinvested yet have ongoing aspirations that need to be seen, uplifted, and empowered.
We believe that every young person deserves the support they need to grow, thrive and define their full potential.
What’s a Mentor?
A mentor is a consistent and caring advisor, educator, and friend. Mentors are dedicated, supportive, and trusted companions. They help our participants develop positive relationships with adults.
Specific Mentor Requirements:
- Mentors must demonstrate sensitivity to the unique needs of our participants, maintain appropriate adult/youth boundaries, and preserve confidentiality.
- Mentors must agree to complete all clearances, including medical screening, State-Wide Central Registry Check (SCR), Staff Exclusion List (SEL), Fingerprint clearance, and background check as a requirement of our licensing and funding sources.
- Mentors must participate in our program orientation and training.
- Mentors must commit to being active volunteers for at least one-year.
Some Key Responsibilities of Mentors include:
In conjunction with the Coordinator of Mentoring Services and Resource Development, all Mentors are expected to:
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- Have patience and be consistent in building and maintaining the mentoring relationship.
- Attend two mentoring events per year.
- Participate in monthly check-ins
- Plan recreational activities and cultural outings with their mentees.
- Provide access to educational and vocational opportunities when applicable.
- Help young people make lasting connections within and outside their community.
- Guide mentees through the decision-making process and/or goals.
Our mentors are carefully screened before being assigned a mentee. They receive training, guidance, and ongoing support from our mentor coordinator and program staff. The mentor/mentee relationship is tracked to ensure both are safe, benefitting from the relationship, and meeting consistently.
Mentors are expected to maintain constant and consistent contact with their mentees. Mentors and mentees are responsible for identifying engaging activities and/or outings that will enhance the goals, upliftment, and/or expose the mentee to opportunities, community, and new ventures.
To become a mentor or learn more about the Good Shepherd Services Mentoring Program, please complete the Mentoring Program Interest Form or email: mentoring@goodshepherds.org.