A mentor may also help a family with practical needs, such as negotiating the red tape of social services or connecting with community services. The specific nature of the mentoring relationship differs in every match, depending on the needs and goals of the family.

All mentor volunteers are thoroughly interviewed and screened, including reference checks, and must supply complete background information. They complete twelve hours of training.

Mentors are asked to make a one-year commitment to the program and to their mentee family. Mentors are expected to average one to two hours of contact with their family weekly. Mentors also maintain weekly logs and attend a monthly mentors’ support meeting.

What makes a Successful Mentor? You don't need any special skills to be a mentor, just a willingness to listen and to share your experience and life skills. A mentor should be:

• committed
• encouraging
• reliable
• empathic
• persistent
• flexible
• non-judgmental
• sensitive to cultural differences

As a Mentor, You Can You Help a Family to

• study for the GED
• find a job
• get a child's birth certificate
• get a driver's license
• get a telephone
• develop a budget

You will be trained and supported as a mentor: A Family Promise mentor is never alone. You'll receive comprehensive training from the start and ongoing support from our Mentoring Director throughout your service. You will have opportunities for continued in-service training.

Would you like to start a Family Mentoring program in your community? Please call (908) 273-1100, extension 20, or email: mentoring@familypromise.org.