Mentoring
We pair kids from our neighborhood with positive, caring adult role models, firmly believing every child can use another safe adult who is showing up for them and cheering them on, and every adult can use a kid to remind them to laugh and play more.
Currently our mentoring program has about 25 adults in long-term matches with youth, based on personality and interests. Mentors commit to meeting once a week with their mentee, and our staff is continuously providing tons of support, along with fun, free activities for mentoring matches! The goal is not to do lots of extravagant things together, but instead to spend time learning about each other’s lives and building a trusting friendship.
Potential mentors need to have reliable transportation and a consistent two hours free each week to dedicate to a mentoring relationship. We provide training and a lot of support along the way.
Mentors commit to being with their mentee for a year, but with the expectation that if things are going well in the match, it will continue for the long haul.
Interested in being a mentor? See the process below.
Interested in having your child matched with a mentor? Contact us!
Current Mentors--Here are the links to Weekly Mentor Reports and Monthly Mentor Reports
It is our hope to cultivate mentoring relationships that will last a lifetime, so we are thoughtful and thorough in our matching process, knowing that mentors will have a profound impact on a child's and family's life, and vice versa.
We want our mentors to be as ready and equipped as possible. Relationships are all unique and intricate, but our staff is here to support our mentors in the good times and the hard times.
This is our matching process:
Step 1
Complete an online mentor application.
Complete the online application below or contact Laura at lauram@heightsofhope.org with any questions you have.
Step 2
Attend a 4-hour Mentor Training.
We will share information about our mission, vision, history, and expectations and walk through everything you need to know to prepare you to begin a mentoring relationship.
Step 3
Interview with HOH staff.
We schedule a 1 hour interview to get to know you and make sure our mentoring program is a good fit for you. Knowing our mentors well is incredibly important in our matching process.
Step 4
Background check and references.
At this point, if you decide to pursue a mentoring relationship, Heights of Hope will conduct a background check and reach out to your references to ensure the safety of our participants.
Step 5
Meet your mentee and their family.
This is when the match takes place! Your Mentoring Coordinator will set up an initial meeting for you to meet your mentee and their parent/guardian at their home or the Community Center. At the match meeting, you get to know each other, sign our mentoring contract, and go over a handful of details to get you started on the right foot.
Step 6
Begin regular meetings with your mentee.
In the beginning, we encourage matches to meet at a set day and time each week. You, your mentee, and their parents decide where and how to spend your time, with guidance and options from HOH. Begin by completing a provided get-to-know-you activity that will help guide your match.
Step 7
Receive ongoing support and guidance.
Your Mentoring Coordinator will be in regular communication, checking in often, providing ideas for activities, and hosting fun events. Mentors keep a record of all get togethers and can reach out for support at any time.
Step 8
Attend a Match Review.
Every year, we'll get back together with the mentor, mentee, parents, and Mentoring Coordinator. If things are going well, we'll celebrate your match and plan changes and goals for the next year!