County News
Anchor Mentoring Program
- Details
- Published: Wednesday, 21 August 2013 21:20
What is the Anchor Mentoring Program?
Anchor Mentoring is a community-based program designed to provide guidance, encouragement, and support to youth ages 6-18 who may be at risk or in need of a positive role model. Our mission is to empower young people to make healthy choices, build confidence, and develop skills that prepare them for a successful future.
What are the Responsibilities of a Mentor?
The volunteer mentor's role is multi-faceted, enriching children's lives and addressing their need for a positive adult contact. It includes a commitment to directly relate with the child for 2-4 hours per month for a period of 12 months. Through a professionally supported relationship with a caring adult, children will be assisted in reaching their highest potential as they grow into responsible adults.
How Can I Be A Mentor?
The process is simple. You can download the application directly off this website or request one from any Juvenile Court employee. Once you complete that and submit it to Juvenile Court, the program coordinator will be in touch to discuss your interest in the program, set up fingerprinting and obtain references. You will be involved in an online training session/short quiz that can be completed at your convenience, which will help to equip you with tools to succeed in this new relationship and ensure that key concepts are understood. The instruction provides important opportunities to ensure that mentors develop realistic expectations of the program in addition to focusing on relationship building, communication skills, values clarification, child development and problem solving. The Mentor is given a certificate of completion and the program coordinator initiates the meeting for the mentor and mentee to being their relationship.
How Can I Refer a Child to the Program?
Any at-risk child between the ages of 6 and 18 can be referred to the mentoring program. If you feel that a child you know is in need of extra support, they are eligible for referral. Please note that both the child and their parent/guardian must agree to be part of the program and meet certain criteria before a match can occur. A referral form can be downloaded from this website and should be sent directly to the program coordinator in care of the juvenile court.
How do I know that my child will be safe?
Volunteer Mentors are recruited, carefully screened and trained. A FBI background check is performed by the Sheriff's Office and fingerprints are obtained upon written consent of the prospective mentor. Any volunteer determined to be unlikely to keep their time commitment or who may pose a safety risk to any child will not be permitted in the program.
After I have a match, will there be support?
Yes, we work as a team. Support will be given to mentors and children on a regular basis. Ongoing support and supervision will be provided to the adult, child and child's family. Training and advice will be provided to help ensure that the match is satisfying and fulfilling for all involved. It is anticipated that relationship between the child, mentor, family, coordinator, school personnel, juvenile court employees and clergy will develop into a team approach to help each child succeed both academically as well as within the community.
What do mentors and children do together?
The options are endless. Go for a walk and talk, help kids with their homework, visit a park, go to the library, attend a sporting event, and the list goes on! The goal of the program is to build a relationship that will influence a life and ultimately, teaching each other new skills can be the foundation for better self-esteem, so try something new! When children have more opportunities for growth through their relationship with a strong, positive adult role model, they positively impact their friends, families, schools and community.
Follow Anchor Mentoring on Facebook!
I still have questions about the Anchor Mentoring Program. Is there someone I could call or email?
Yes. Rachel Cornell is the program coordinator. She can be reached by:
Phone: (330) 674-5841 option 4
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fax: (330) 674-5820