sharing life’s experience

Sharing Life's Experience

Presented by

Kathleen Vasa,Volunteer Program Coordinator

Volunteers of America

Larimer County Mentoring Coalition

Who are we? What is our mission? Who do we serve? Why do we do it? What is the need? How can you get

involved?

Who is the Larimer County Mentoring Coalition?

Local Agencies One Collaborative Group Serve Youth and Adults Provide Mentoring Opportunities

Our History… Federal grant became available in 2004 for youth services Volunteers of America applied for and was awarded a

Bohemian Foundation grant to be used to determine the need for youth services in Larimer County

“Mentors” was identified as the primary need in our area Volunteers of America applied for and was awarded the

federal grant money in 2005 Youth Mentoring Coalition was formed soon after In 2009 the coalition’s scope grew to include

mentoring for both youth and adults

Our Mission

"Our mission is to raise public awareness for the need of mentoring and its benefits to the community as a collaborative partnership of youth serving organizations."

Coalition Members Boys & Girls Clubs of Larimer County Larimer Center for Mental Health

and the Namaqua Center Larimer County Department of Human

Services, Children, Youth and Family Division-Oasis Mentoring Program

Partners Mentoring Youth of Larimer County

The Matthews House Turning Point Center for

Youth and Family Development Volunteers of America,

Northern Colorado Services

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBSOf Larimer County

Who Do We Serve? Larimer County Residents

with a few exception

Children ages

6 to 18

Adults ages

19 to 50+

Demographics

Of those being mentored; 62% female 38% are male

52% Caucasian 34% Hispanic 14% other

69% reside in Larimer County 21% reside in Weld County 10% reside outside of these areas (residential care)

Of those on wait lists, 76% are male

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship between someone in need and a caring adult.

Mentoring offers guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the confidence and character of another.

What Does it Take to be a Mentor?

There are no special certifications or qualification to be a mentor.

A mentor’s main focus is to help define individual goals and find ways to achieve them.

Since the expectations of each mentee will vary, the mentor's role is simply to encourage and support.

Genuine interest in helping someone is all that’s needed.

Why Mentor?

Our mentors say that mentoring is one of the most flexible and satisfying volunteer options available, and the rewarding experience of helping another human being achieve their potential is absolutely “priceless”.

Benefits of Mentoring Mentoring works! Those who have been

mentored enjoy the following;

decreased criminal behaviors better school and job attendance increased self esteem positive social attitudes and relationships increased trust in authority

Statistics

Of those who have been mentored; 53% less likely then their peers to skip a

day of work 46 % less likely to use illegal drugs 37% less likely to skip a class 33% less likely to become physically violent 27% less likely to use alcohol 51% more likely to become a

mentor in the future

Mentoring Opportunities

Mentoring Opportunities range from; 1 hour a month 20 hours a week Activity mentoring One-on-one mentoring Mentoring children Mentoring adults Short term commitment 1 year or longer

There truly is a mentoring opportunity for every lifestyle!

FAQ’s

How long will it take to complete the screening process?

How are Mentor-Mentee matches made?

How much time will I be required to spend in the program?

What kind of support will I receive from the program?

How long will it take to complete the screening process?

This can vary depending on which organization and program you select.

The average wait is about 4 – 6 weeks.

Once the screening process is complete it may take another 2 – 4 weeks to complete your match.

How are Mentor-Mentee matches made?

The organization will look for same gender, along with similar interests and availability.

Once a possible match is indentified the two parties are brought together to see if they both would like to go forward with the match.

How much time will I be required to spend in the program?

This depends on the program within the organization you select.

Some programs require 2 -3 hours a week on average with a year commitment, and others require as little as 2 hours per month for specific events with a 3 month commitment, and yet others are on a drop-in basis.

What kind of support will I receive from the program?

Each program is unique, however each program has a skilled professional that will work with you throughout your experience, whether it is the volunteer coordinator or the child's case manager.

Some programs require regular communication intervals with the mentors, and some even provide mentor support groups where you can talk with other mentors just like yourself and share your experiences.

How You Can Get Involved Attend a Mentoring Informational

Learn about each of the agencies in the Coalition

Learn about the mentoring opportunities available

Decide which opportunity best fits you Commitment level Availability Interests

Complete the screening process Must pass a criminal background check Each agency’s requirements may differ

Attend orientation and training Each agency has it’s own program

requirements

Be a Mentor Share Life’s Experience

“Mentors are guides.

They lead us along the journey of our lives.

We trust them because they have been there

before.”

Laurent A. Daloz Author and Educator

Contact Information

Kathleen Vasa Volunteer Program Coordinator

Volunteers of America

405 Canyon Avenue

Fort Collins, Colorado 80521

Ph: 970-472-9630 Fax: 970-472-8393

Email: voarsvp@frii.com