Become a Mentor: Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program

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Seton Youth Shelters seeks volunteers for their Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program, which matches a youth ages 4-18 with an adult mentor age 20 or older. All youth have been affected by the incarceration (past or present) of a family member. Mentors spend a minimum of 4 hours per month (weekly or biweekly) with recreational activities, helping with homework, going to museums, beach or library, and other age-appropriate activities. Minimum 1 year commitment. Background checks will be performed. This volunteer opportunity is available all over Hampton Roads.

A mentor provides regularly scheduled activities with their mentee. Mentors can participate in recreational, educational, or cultural activities, or just provide a listening ear. A mentor can be a positive outlet for a mentee adjusting to changes within the family structure. Mentoring is flexible, and most mentors have jobs, go to school, have families, and other obligations. Mentors and mentees are matched based on shared interests or preferences. We provide ideas for free and low cost activities.


Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 12 months or longer

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Adjudicated/court involved, First-Generation College, Foster, Residential or Kinship Care, Gang At-Risk, General Youth Population, Gifted/Talented/Academic Achiever, Homeless/Runaway, Incarcerated Parent, LGBTQ Youth, Low Income, Mental Health Issues, Parent Involved in Military, Physical Disabilities/Special Care Needs, Pregnant/Parenting, Recent Immigrant/Refugee, School Drop-Out, Single-Parent Household, Special Education, Youth with Disabilities

Mentoring Program Goals: Career Exploration, Education/Academic Support, Friendship/Socialization, Healthy Behaviors, Reduce Recidivism

Ages of Youth Served: 7 and under, 8-10, 11-14, 15-18