Mentoring Youth

Faith Samples-Smart, 201-489-9454, ext. 208
Program Director
Fsamples-smart@bergenvolunteers.org 
 

What is Mentoring Youth?

Mentoring Youth is a program that trains and supervises adult volunteers to serve as mentors to abused, neglected, and isolated youth.  Mentors serve as role models to youth up to age 18 who need guidance and the support of a friend.  Mentoring Youth also provides an array of programs and activities throughout the year that enhances the mentoring relationship.

Who are the mentors?

Mentoring Youth mentors are caring adult men and women who provide friendship, guidance and support to youth through weekly interactions.  Mentors help youth see and take steps to achieve a brighter future.  They promote personal growth, reinforce positive behavior, and work to enhance and build youth’s self-esteem.

What skills or training is needed to become a mentor?

All mentors are provided with a comprehensive four-session training program which is offered in the evening three times per year in the fall, winter and spring.  Volunteers receive ongoing support and guidance from the Mentoring Youth program staff and other volunteers.

Each mentor must be at least 18 years old and must successfully complete a rigorous screening procedure.  Written references, as well as fingerprint, background and motor vehicle checks are required of all volunteers seeking to become mentors in Volunteer Center mentoring programs.

What do mentors do?  How can they help?

After completion of training and screening, the volunteer mentor is matched with a youth.  Mentors are asked to give a one-year commitment to the program, to allow a relationship to become established.  Once matched, the mentor and youth meet at mutually agreeable times and enjoy activities together, such as going to a park or mall, pursuing a hobby or sports, attending a performance or playing a game.  Volunteers are reimbursed up to $25 per month for expenses incurred on behalf of the youth they are mentoring.

We especially need male mentors!  Boys needing a strong male role model can be on our waiting list for up to two years.  Teenage girls who desperately need a female mentor to look up to and learn from are also waiting for extended periods of time.  Help us end that wait now!

Interested in becoming a Mentoring Youth mentor?

Click here for an application.

Mentoring Youth holds mentor training sessions in fall, winter and spring. Call 201- 489-9454 to find out when the next sessions are scheduled.