CYOI Is Looking for Committed and Energetic Mentors for Youth-In Care (Foster Youth)

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About Chicago Youth Opportunities Initiative:

Chicago Youth Opportunities Initiative is a 501(c)(3) Chicago-based non-profit organization that provides ward of the state youth with the tools to empower their minds and help them achieve their educational and career pursuits. Chicago Youth Opportunities Initiative works with foster agencies, social workers, youth advocates and other partners to assist youth through mentoring, career workshops, life-skills programs, and collegiate prep.

Chicago Youth Opportunities Initiative utilizes community partnerships, mentoring, and youth development workshops to support the academic and personal growth of youth in-care.

Our mission is to improve the lives of youth in-care (foster youth) within the Chicago community through helping to accomplish their goals by providing workshops based on academic growth and literacy, career workshops and exploration, personal investigation and goal-setting, community service, scholarships and life long friendships through our mentoring program.

Position Summary:

As a Chicago Youth Mentor you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a youth in-care (foster youth) from the city of Chicago while assisting them throughout their professional development journey holistically.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Attend monthly youth development sessions
• Remain in consistent communication with your mentee 3 times a month via phone and in-person
• Assist mentee with setting goals and uncovering their personal identity

Role Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must have a car and active driver’s license
• Must have at least one year of previous mentoring experience
• Must be able to comply with DCFS background check regulations
• Must have gone through an interview with Director of Mentoring and a Student Ambassador
• Must have attended mandatory mentor orientation and completed trainings on behalf of Safe Families
• Must have successfully completed Mandated Reporter online training

Benefits of Working with Youth In-Care (Foster Youth):

• Be a role model for youth in-care (foster youth).
• Assist in the growth and maturity of our future leaders.
• Be a driving force in allowing youth to holistically aim higher in various aspects of their lives (school, personal life, etc.).
• Be a force in assisting with a youth changing for the better
• Helping youth see their fullest potential in life

Benefits of Being a Mentor with CYOI:

• You will gain one-on-one mentoring experience that can assist you professionally or fulfill your civic duties.
• We will help you set goals as a mentor and ensure that you are meeting these goals twice throughout the school year.
• You will receive 360 Feedback as a mentor (2x in throughout the academic school year) from yourself, your mentee, and the Director of Mentoring.

To apply please visit our application here: https://safe-families.org/mentor-application/