Oasis Community Development Center
Cause Area
- Children & Youth
- Education & Literacy
Location
PO Box 223142West Palm Beach, FL 33422 United StatesWebsite:
http://www.mentoring.orgOrganization Information
Mission Statement
Oasis Community Mentoring Program has been serving the community of West Palm Beach, Florida for nearly ten (10) years. Our mentors have successfully mentored over one-hundred (100) youth, ages five (5) to eighteen (18) during the program's duration.
You can expect our mentors to give extra support to youth so they are able to reach their full potential in life. Upon completion of the program, youth would have learned lessons that apply to real life. They will leave with the tools to utilize in various situations so that they can live their lives with value and purpose.
Our program strategically divides the youth into six (6) groups based on gender and age:
Dream Girls (Girls ages 5 - 8)
Dukes of Honor (Boys ages 5 - 8)
True2Self (Preteen Girls, ages 9 - 12)
Boys2Men (Preteen Boys, ages 9 - 12)
Gems (Teen Girls, ages 13 - 18)
Gentlemen of Today (Teen Boys, ages 13 - 18)
Our current ratio is 1:7.
Our curriculum is tailored to each group. The curriculum for Dream Girls and Dukes of Honor includes spiritual, natural, and physical activities that improve self-esteem, & self-awareness. It also promotes inner beauty and distinctive character. The curriculum for Hold onto You Pocketbook and Boys 2 Men will encourage, empower, and promote moral and sexual purity. Preteens will experience healing and restoration who struggle with anger and low self-esteem. The curriculum for Gems and Gentlemen of Today is designed to build teens from the inside out. Teens will experience teaching and training that will cause them to become aware of their purpose and God's purpose for them; ultimately becoming polished and successful individuals. Our program also makes "after high school" options readily available to teens by participating in local events, and disseminating information to parents and teens. Each group curriculum includes local community involvement and service. To stay current with the needs of the community, mentors must go through a yearly training to ensure that they are current and reaching the youth.
At the conclusion of each mentoring fiscal year, our program hosts Gala or Transition Ceremony. During this ceremony, we highlight our mentees, and the accomplishments made throughout the year. In addition, we make special recognition of those mentees who are transitioning to the next age group or phase in life.
We believe in the safety and protection of all youth. With that said, we require all mentors to have a Level 2 Background Screening.
It is our mission to improve the lives of youth in the community by fostering quality mentoring relationships.
Description
Oasis Community Development Center helps to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least one year. (Attempts will be made to be flexible with college students.) By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.
Mentor Role
Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing relationship
Serve as a positive role model and friend
Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
Strive for mutual respect
Build self-esteem and motivation
Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them
Time Commitment
Make a one-year commitment
Spend a minimum of one and half hours per month with mentee
Communicate with the mentee biweekly
Attend an initial three-hour training session and additional two-hour in-service training sessions each year of participation in the program
Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program
recognition events
Participation Requirements
Be at least 21 years old
Be interested in working with young people
Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures
Be willing to complete the application and screening process
Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed
Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
Have access to an automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record
Have a clean criminal history
Not using illicit drugs
Not using alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner
Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least three years
Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years
Desirable Qualities
Willing and reflective listener
Encouraging and supportive
Patient and flexible
Tolerant and respectful of individual and cultural differences