• 136 people are interested
 

The Buddy Program

Save to Favorites

ORGANIZATION: The Family Center, Inc.

  • 136 people are interested

The Family Center’s Buddy Program pairs adult mentors with children who have been affected by a family crisis or loss. These mentors, or "Buddies," provide mentees with fun, friendship, new experiences, and a positive role model. The Buddies experience is consistently cited by both mentors and mentees as one of the most rewarding aspects of their lives. The benefits of mentoring at-risk youth are well documented and include: Better attendance and attitude toward school Decreased risk of drug and alcohol use Improved social attitudes and relationships More trusting relationships and better communication with parents A better chance of going on to higher education Our Buddies are committed, compassionate, and reliable individuals who make a one-year commitment of 6-10 hours per month to help expand a child’s horizon and enrich their lives and future. The Family Center also sponsors free group events throughout the year for all Buddy matches in the program, including professional sports games, picnics, trips to museums, and holiday parties. The Family Center’s approach involves careful assessment and orientation of all parties, thorough training, thoughtful matching and ongoing support. In the last 14 years, over 250 children have been matched with an adult mentor through our Buddy Program.

More opportunities with The Family Center, Inc.

No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.

About The Family Center, Inc.

Location:

493 Nostrand Ave, 3rd Floor, United States, Brooklyn, NY 11216, US

Mission Statement

The Family Center strenthens families affected by illness, crisis, or loss to create a more secure present and future for their children. We believe every child deserves an answer to the question, "Who will take care of me?"

Description

The Family Center was launched in 1994 to give children the peace of mind that they will be taken care of. Founded by four women working at the NYC Department for Social Services, The Family Center initially served vulnerable children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in the community. Over the years, we have expanded our model of providing social, legal and medical case management services to families affected by other illnesses and destabilizing factors.

In order to fulfill this mission, The Family Center’s programming fall into two main categories: social services and legal services. Within these two areas, however, much cross programming exists, with social workers, medical case managers, and attorneys working together to create a comprehensive action plan. This all-inclusive programming model is designed to address all of a family’s needs in order to make a significant and lasting difference their lives.

Mentoring Program:
The Buddy Program at The Family Center is a mentoring program for children impacted by parental absence or loss due to incarceration, illness or crisis. The program matches adult volunteers with children/teens age 6 to 16 for fun, friendship and support. Over the years our mentoring programs have demonstrated that a caring and consistent adult mentor can make a significant positive impact on the present and future of a child coping with parental absence or loss.

CAUSE AREAS

Children & Youth
Community
Children & Youth, Community

WHEN

We'll work with your schedule.

WHERE

493 Nostrand AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11216

(40.680614,-73.94941)
 

SKILLS

GOOD FOR

  • Kids
  • Teens

REQUIREMENTS

  • Background Check
  • Must be at least 21
  • Orientation or Training
  • 6-10 hours per month for 1 year

Report this opportunity

We're sorry, this opportunity is no longer active.

Please find other opportunities.

Find Opportunities