Connections
Mentor Program
The
Connections Mentor Program is the first in the state
of Connecticut within the P.A.S.S. group homes to
serve as a volunteer based mentoring program for our
girls. The goals of the Connections Mentor Program
are to establish long-term relationships with our
girls and members of the broader community. The mentors
will serve as role models, friends, and surrogate
families for girls lacking these resources. The Connections
Mentor Program is currently seeking volunteers to
serve as individual mentors or mentor families. We
want the experience of a mentor relationship to stimulate
stable connections, foster socialization, and be memorable.
Because our girls need to be exposed to new experiences
we are encouraging them to try new things with their
mentors. These activities may include going to a sit-down
restaurant, going to a theatre show, or attending
a concert for the first time. All of these experiences
help to build character, self confidence, and most
notably allow our girls to have fun being girls.
What
are the Benefits of Mentoring?
- Having a positive
impact on a girl who is in the process of becoming
a young woman.
- Making lifelong
relationships with your Mentee and other mentors.
- Knowing that
through your commitment you are making a difference
in the life of a youth.
- Mentoring is
a great way to share your unique hobbies, talents,
and interests.
- Expanding your
family through Mentor Family relationships.
- Spending time
based on you and your Mentee's schedule.
- Learning a new
skill from your Mentee.
- Being fully supported
through your relationship with your Mentee by
the Mentor Program Coordinator and your fellow
Mentors.
- Having access
to program staff 24 hours a day.
Who
is Mentor Material?
What
is a Mentor?
A
Mentor is a caring adult who demonstrates their concern
for young people by volunteering their time to develop
a long-term, stable relationship with a youth (mentee).
What
is a Mentor Family?
A
Mentor Family is an extension beyond the individual
mentor relationship. A Mentor Family volunteers their
time as a family unit to provide a youth with a long-term,
stable family relationship.
Function:
Provide
an adolescent female with a positive adult role model(s)
who encourages strong connections, growth, and successful
self-sufficiency.
Responsibilities
of a Mentor Include:
- Give of your
time.
- Be supportive
of your Mentee's decisions, choices, and interests.
- Allow your Mentee
to lead discussions.
- Provide feedback
to your Mentee.
- Provide guidance
based on your Mentee's personal interests and
goals.
- Be there for
your Mentee.
- Have an open
mind.
- Model appropriate
techniques for interacting with others.
- Follow through
with scheduled visits, outings, and plans with
your Mentee.
- Maintain appropriate
boundaries as set forth in the Mentor Training
Manual.
- Contact the Mentor
Program Coordinator with any questions, concerns,
or guidance needed.
How
do I Become a Mentor?
If
you or your family are interested in becoming a vital
part of a girl's life through mentoring there are
three ways of making that initial contact:
Download
the Volunteer
Mentor Application, fill it out and mail
it to:
Connections
Mentor Program Attn: Rose Egan P.O. Box 6232 Wolcott,
CT 06716-0232
Or
you can email the completed application as an attachment
to Rose
Egan.
If you would
like to ask additional questions prior to filling
out the application you can email
or phone Rose Egan at (860) 747-9930.
