JEM Youth Mentor Program FAQ

What is a “Mentor”?

A Mentor is a mature young person or adult, age 18 years and up, who wants to provide support and friendship to a youth for at least one year.

What is a “Mentee”?

A Mentee is a young person in our program between ages 4-18.  Our Mentees come from all different backgrounds and socio-economic groups.

What is a “Match”?

A Match is the pairing of a Mentor (Adult) and Mentee (Youth).  Pairs are matched based on a variety of factors to make the best possible match, including personality, proximity of neighborhoods, shared interests/hobbies and the desires of the Mentor and Mentee.

How do the children and parents get involved with the mentoring program?

All of the children and their families join the mentoring program because they want the extra support and friendship that a mentor provides.  They usually hear about us through referrals from a social service agency, their school or word of mouth.

What is the benefit of Mentoring?

Mentoring is something that can benefit everyone as well as help the mentee develop as an individual and advance through their career.  The mentor can gain extra skills and understanding from the partnership.

Does being a Mentor require experience?

It takes the same level of interest, commitment, and confidence in your own abilities that it takes to be a student. It also requires that you are sincerely interested in another person’s growth. You may not win any awards, but you will earn the satisfaction of having done an important job and significantly impacted another person’s life.

Why should I become a Mentor?

A Mentor sees good potential in almost everyone and takes delight in bringing out the best in people.  A Mentor is someone who wants to have a positive impact on their community.

Does being a Mentor take a lot of time?

Mid Valley Mentors has flexible volunteer opportunities to fit anyone’s busy schedule. As a Mentor, you see your Mentee about once a week, or three times a month, and do things that you already do. The average outing is anywhere from one to four hours.

What do “Matches” do together?

Share an activity that provides something to talk about. Buy a comic book to read to each other. Play a board game. Hit a bucket of balls at the local driving range. Visit a museum or the local library. Select activities that give both mentor and mentee a chance to learn more about one another.

Does it cost a lot of money to be a Volunteer?

The idea is not to spend a lot of money, but instead to spend fun, quality time with a child. You can take a hike, throw around a baseball or just talk. It does not have to cost anything.

As a Mentor, what kind of support will I get from Mid Valley Mentors?

Each match has a professional Case Manager who is there to support the child, parent and volunteer. The Case Manager helps with any problem solving, feedback and information to help the match along.

What is the application process like to become a volunteer?

The application process to become a volunteer depends on how quickly you get your application to us. The application process includes a personal confidential interview, a criminal background check, driving record check, personal and professional references.  A volunteer training session is also necessary, these happen once a month from 9am-2pm on a Saturday.  Click on the button below to begin your application!