The Outagamie County Mentoring Program links youth, ages 6-17, involved in the Child Welfare or Juvenile Justice System through the Outagamie County Department of Health and Human Services with mature adults in their community. Mentors will foster the youth's development of character, competence, and self-confidence on a one to one basis through weekly contact. By establishing a positive and personal relationship, youth are empowered to develop their abilities and to become responsible caring adults.

The goal is to provide at-risk youth with adult mentors who will help youth succeed and prevent further involvement with Outagamie County Health and Human Services. The mentor will develop a positive and trusting relationship with the youth in order to provide support, guidance, consistency, and stability. The mentor will give individual attention to the youth while exposing the youth to new and positive experiences in order to enhance self esteem, improve social skills, and encourage positive problem-solving skills.

In addition, the mentor will focus on empowering Child Welfare youth to feel safe and secure through their supportive and trusting relationship. The mentor will assist Juvenile Justice youth in goal setting, improving school performance and attendance, addressing independent living skills, employment avenues, and empowering youth to make good choices in their life, thus leading to a more productive and healthy lifestyle that continues into adulthood. Youth who are leaving an out of home placement and are involved in our Independent Living Program, need additional guidance and support in preparing for the skills and knowledge needed to live, work, and/or attend school independently. The mentor may focus on educating youth about community resources, healthy daily living skills, and empowering youth to become a productive and self-sufficient member of society.

Potential mentors will complete and submit an application to be screened for approval. Once approved, several of the youth on the waiting list will be reviewed and discussed with you . Your goal is to develop a one on one trusting and positive relationship that will last over time, so your input, interests, personality, and life experiences will be given high consideration when deciding which youth would be a good match for you.

All youth are referred to our program by an Outagamie County Child Welfare or Juvenile Justice Social Worker. Referred youth have different needs, goals, backgrounds, and areas of interest identified. The goals of the mentor match are determined and agreed upon by the youth, parent, social worker, and mentor. Mentors are expected to support and guide their youth towards successfully completing the established goals of the mentor match.

During weekly meetings, mentors do a variety of things with their youth such as: taking a bike ride, attending local events, shopping, cooking, playing basketball, going to the library or the movies. It is up to you and your mentee to decide on what you will do together. Each match is unique. Just be yourself and have fun!

Our program provides our mentors with ongoing support and training. You will never feel alone. We also sponsor several group mentor match outings throughout the year which includes bowling, a Timber Rattlers game, and Badger Sports Park . This is a fun way to meet other mentors, share, and learn valuable tips to enhance your mentoring experience.

The Outagamie County Mentoring Program is in need of several male and female mentors. Mentoring may be challenging at times, but it may also be the most rewarding life experience you will ever have.

HELP THEM GET THERE. BE A MENTOR.

To learn more-- or to view a video featuring interviews with OCMP's mentor matches as they talk about their experience with mentoring, visit www.hhsvolunteers.org

• Flexible, Non-judgmental, Trustworthy: Honest, Responsible, and Committed to helping youth is a must. You don't need a special degree or background in working with youth. You just need to be a friend and share your own life experiences.