What We Do
Mentor For Success provides caring, trained adult mentors to at-risk teens in Hood River and Wasco Counties (Oregon), to support their successful transition to adulthood.
The mentoring process helps prepare the youth for the challenges of being on his or her own by providing a strong role model, a trusting relationship with an adult, and greater connections to the community. In the process of sharing fun and time together, the mentor helps the youth find and build on his strengths, set goals for the future, and learn to advocate for himself.
The Need for Mentoring
Children ARE our future, but it is an unfortunate fact that many children in
our communities do not find the nurturing, stability, and positive role-modeling
that all kids need in their home environment. They face some daunting
challenges. Unprepared for adulthood and independence, these kids very
often have poor outcomes – incarceration, homelessness, unintended
pregnancy, interrupted education, and significant mental health problems.
Mentoring can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Research consistently shows that at-risk teens in formal mentoring programs
benefit academically and socially, and have lower rates of substance abuse and
delinquency than their non-mentored peers. Down the road, the value of a
mentor’s commitment can be seen in young adults who make better choices and live
more productive and happier lives.
our communities do not find the nurturing, stability, and positive role-modeling
that all kids need in their home environment. They face some daunting
challenges. Unprepared for adulthood and independence, these kids very
often have poor outcomes – incarceration, homelessness, unintended
pregnancy, interrupted education, and significant mental health problems.
Mentoring can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
Research consistently shows that at-risk teens in formal mentoring programs
benefit academically and socially, and have lower rates of substance abuse and
delinquency than their non-mentored peers. Down the road, the value of a
mentor’s commitment can be seen in young adults who make better choices and live
more productive and happier lives.
Our Mentors
Our mentors are caring, consistent adult volunteers who like teens. Mentor
and mentee get to know each other by planning and sharing fun activities like
hiking, making pizza, or attending a local event, slowly building a relationship
of trust and support. The mentor helps the teen identify and build upon his
assets, connect with resources in his community, envision a viable future, and
learn skills to support his coming independence.
Mentors commit to spending at least 10 hours a month with their mentees, for
a minimum of one year. Mentors are carefully screened and trained, and then
matched with a teen based on his/her interests and needs.
and mentee get to know each other by planning and sharing fun activities like
hiking, making pizza, or attending a local event, slowly building a relationship
of trust and support. The mentor helps the teen identify and build upon his
assets, connect with resources in his community, envision a viable future, and
learn skills to support his coming independence.
Mentors commit to spending at least 10 hours a month with their mentees, for
a minimum of one year. Mentors are carefully screened and trained, and then
matched with a teen based on his/her interests and needs.
Our Mentees
Our mentees are youth aged 14 to 20 living in Hood River or Wasco Counties.
They are referred to us by DHS caseworkers (if in foster care), by Juvenile Department counselors, or by school counselors. Teens participate in the mentoring program voluntarily (i.e., they WANT mentors), and are screened and coached by the Mentor For Success match
counselor.
If you are a teen in Hood River County or Wasco County and think you would
like to have a mentor, contact your school counselor or DHS case worker and ask
him/her to make a referral to the program for you. You can also contact us
to tell us you’re interested or to ask questions: info@mentor4success.org,
or 541-991-8091.
They are referred to us by DHS caseworkers (if in foster care), by Juvenile Department counselors, or by school counselors. Teens participate in the mentoring program voluntarily (i.e., they WANT mentors), and are screened and coached by the Mentor For Success match
counselor.
If you are a teen in Hood River County or Wasco County and think you would
like to have a mentor, contact your school counselor or DHS case worker and ask
him/her to make a referral to the program for you. You can also contact us
to tell us you’re interested or to ask questions: info@mentor4success.org,
or 541-991-8091.
