Looking for Mentors in Upper Manhattan/Bronx!

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The Family Center's "Just Buddies Program" is looking for a few mentors to serve in the Upper Manhattan/Bronx area. We have a few mentees waiting to be matched in that area and we want to make sure that we can find dedicated and conveniently located mentors.

The Just Buddies Program at The Family Center is a mentoring program for children impacted by parental absence or loss due to illness, crisis, incarceration, or other destabilizing factor. 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. We are currently looking for adult volunteers who are willing to make at least a one year commitment to be matched with a child/teen and meet at least twice a month for a total of 6 to 10 hours a month for outings, friendship and guidance.

The volunteer mentor and the child/teen go on one-to-one outings in the community about every other weekend. The program generally (except for teenagers possibly) requires that the mentor/buddy picks up the child in his/her neighborhood. They go on outings to the park, a walk in the neighborhood, lunch, or a movie. The Family Center (TFC) offers free tickets to shows/events and TFC also host group events/outings for all mentors on a quarterly basis. At training, mentors are provided with a list of free and low cost activities/outings.

Requirements to Become a Volunteer Mentor :

·Must be at least 21 years old

·Complete an application

·Complete an interview with program staff member

·Undergo a criminal background check & Child Abuse Registry Clearance

·Complete a 5 hour mentor training at TFC (usually on a Saturday)

·Commitment to volunteer 6 to 10 hours a month with a child/teen for at least one year

The process takes about 2 to 3 months from time of application (interview, training, clearance, etc.) to being matched with a child/mentee. After the mentor is matched with a child/teen, twice a month I will contact the mentor to check-in and find out how things are going, provide support if needed, troubleshoot, etc. The Just Buddies Program provides a young person experiencing the absence or loss of a parent with support, guidance, and the opportunity to participate in enjoyable, growth-promoting activities with a mentor. Children benefit from developing a positive stable relationship with an adult mentor while enjoying recreational activities, outings and cultural events. The Family Center serves families in all five boroughs.