Mentor Program
Fighting To Be Heard Youth Mentor Program
The DFGOYC Youth Mentor Program matches mentors with elementary, middle and high school students in one-to-one relationships for an academic year. Through these relationships, as well as recreational and group activities, our matches share friendship, support, and fun. Mentors and mentees get together at least once a week. Both mentors and mentees make a commitment to spend time together throughout the academic year. They can participate in activities that they both enjoy. The mentors are not private tutors, although sometimes pairs decide to work on homework together. We plan social group activities on a monthly basis that are open to all participants. We are also available at all times to answer questions, offer support and help matches work through challenges that may arise.
The Steering Committee
The DFGOYC Steering Committee is a group of volunteers (many of whom are past mentors) who lead teams in some capacity. They recruit mentors and mentees, plan all training orientations and group activities, and provide support and information if problems arise. You may contact the Directors and Steering Committee at (877) 571-6614 or mentor@dfgyouth.org. We happily welcome feedback!
Recruitment of Mentors and Mentees
Mentors complete a written application, including two references. They then participate in a one-on-one interview with the Board of Directors and Mentor Chair Member, at which time they learn about the program in detail, and we get to know them and their background. After completing the interview process, the mentor must attend a training session. Mentees also complete a written application, which includes a parent/guardian consent form. We ask that parents attend an orientation held during the beginning of the academic semester to receive more information about the program, guidelines, and procedures.
Matching
The DFGOYC Steering Committee matches mentors and mentees based on shared interests, personality, and, if it is important to the mentee, cultural background. Unfortunately, we are not always able to match everyone who applies. This happens for many reasons, but the most common are that we simply do not have equal numbers of mentors and mentees. They will be placed on our waiting list, and as soon as an opportunity arises for them to be involved, we will contact them. If a student is matched, their mentor will contact them by phone to let them know, and will host a special activity at the Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center where they will be introduced to their mentor.
After Students Are Matched
After students are matched, they will meet with their mentor at least once a week for 2-3 hours. They can meet at school, at home or in a public setting. Parent consent must be given for all activities matches participate in. As the mentors are volunteers, it is important that the mentee and the mentor are both respectful of the other’s time.
Group Activities
We host social activities once a month. These activities give us a chance to get together and have fun! Past activities have included Basketball tournaments, Fashion Shows, Artists Showcase, Educational field trips, movies, skating and more. Along with program-wide activities, the DFGOYC Steering Committee members coordinate other events throughout the semester for smaller groups of pairs. This encourages a sense of community within our program and creates a chance for our participants to get to know each other better. We really want to hear from mentees about what they would like to do.
MENTOR PROGRAMS
TRAILBLAZERS is the central program of Destined For Greatness Outreach Youth Center. Underserved elementary, middle and high school students and their mentors participate in a structured program of support.
ELITE focuses on students who have not been involved in violent and disciplinary activities. Mentors participate in tutoring and professional development of elite students.
TURNAROUND focuses on students who are chronically suspended from elementary, middle or high school.
HIGHER GROUND engages youth involved in the juvenile court system, problematic youth within the community and high school dropouts.
Thank you for your interest in the Destined for Greatness Outreach Youth Center Mentor Program! DFGOYC offers different mentoring participation levels designed to fit your busy lifestyle. We have programs designed to reach youth at all ages from middle to high school. To sign-up to be a youth mentor or mentee, please fill out the respective Application Form below or send an email to mentor@dfgyouth.org for more information.
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