Mentor, LGBTQ+ Youth

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The One on One Mentoring Program is best summed up as "the gay big brothers/big sisters." The majority of our youth come from the Department of Children and Families. Youth who participate in this program are matched with a True Colors mentor for a period of one year. However, our expectation is that this relationship will extend beyond this time period. Once matched, mentors and mentees are given two assignments and asked to set goals for the following year. From there it’s up to them to decide how they’re going to spend their time together!

Community member interested in volunteering for either program must fill out an application form, pass a DCF background check and provide references. Once these steps have been completed, volunteers will participate in a 6 hour mentor training program that will introduce them to the needs of our youth. This training focuses on the William Bridges Transition Framework as well as LGBT issues and issues specific to our youth.

The Group Mentoring Program introduces sexual and gender minority youth who are currently on the waiting list for a One on One Mentor to the LGBT community through monthly activities and events. The role of a Group Mentor is to begin to help foster a positive, safe, and healthy introduction to the various communities we represent. All potential mentors begin as Group Mentors

Adults who wish to participate in the Group Mentoring Program must meet the following criteria:

• Must be at least 24 years of age.
• Must sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Must participate in the New Mentor Training.
• Must provide transportation to at least one activity per month.
• Must be willing to listen to our youth.
• Must be willing to chaperone events.
• Must participate in a range of activities from nature hikes to game nights.
• Help transmit the rich culture and history of the LGBT community.
• Utilize their own talents to help mentees foster their own.
• Model good behavior and healthy relationships.

In addition, adults who wish to participate in the One on One Mentoring Program must meet the following additional criteria:

• Must agree to record the times and dates of each contact and submit that report monthly.
• Must check the Mentor Facebook page at least weekly.
• Must attend AT LEAST 4 group events and activities per year and AT LEAST 4 monthly mentor trainings and feedback sessions.
• Must agree to be a mentor, or to be available as a mentor, for a period of no less than 1 year. Once matched, must agree to contact their mentee AT LEAST 4 times per month, with a minimum of 3 monthly face-to-face meetings.