Powerhouse Mentoring Program
Run by The Inn, Inc.
Program Details
Recruitment Status
- Accepting Male Mentors: Yes
- Accepting Female Mentors: Yes
- Accepting Male Mentees: Wait list
- Accepting Female Mentees: Yes
Program Description
The Powerhouse Mentoring Program serves teens and young adults who are, or have been, in foster care in Multnomah County. Volunteer mentors are matched one-on-one with a young person for at least one year. Mentors provide a listening ear, unconditional friendship, and a link to community and activities that a youth in foster care might not otherwise experience. Mentors can be the all-important stable, caring adult in the life of an adolescent in foster care and the spark that ignites a sense of resiliency in the youth that will ultimately help him/her succeed at living independently after leaving foster care.
Ages of Youth in the Program
13 to 21
Description of Youth in the Program
Clients are young people aged 13 - 21 who are, or have been, in foster care and are preparing to transition to independent living. Most are typical teens with all the joy and heartache bound up in that age but they share the unique characteristic of being in foster care. Studies have shown that within 12-18 months after leaving foster care, the incidence of incarceration and public assistance is much higher for these youth than the general population. The goal of Powerhouse is to help them through this difficult transition through the benefit of a caring, stable friendship with a volunteer mentor.
Quality Standards of Program
Mentors must submit a written application which includes 3 personal/professional references. They must also pass an Oregon and FBI fingerprint check, Department of Human Services abuse allegation background check, DMV record check, and sex offender registry check. Potential mentors with a criminal history will may not be excluded, depending on the offense, if their offense occurred more than 10 years ago and they have had no further offenses. Mentors also attend an initial orientation and training (approx. 8 hours) and are expected to take part in on-going trainings during their 12-month commitment as a mentor.
Youth Goals and Outcomes
The goal of the Powerhouse Mentoring Program is to build resiliency in foster youth through supportive one-on-one relationships with caring mentors that will enable foster youth to successfully transition to independent living. Expected outcomes include better school attendance, fewer incidences of negative behaviors (fighting, use of illegal substances) and a greater sense of self-confidence.
Mentor Profile
Ideal mentors are individuals who enjoy spending time with teenagers. An open mind and willingness to think beyond traditional boundaries is helpful.
Mentors should be non-judgmental listeners but ready to share in creative problem-solving. A strong positive self-image and tenacity come in handy as does a good sense of playfulness. Finally, mentors are the adults (minimum age 21) in the relationship and must be able to ride the waves of working within the foster care system while committing to the minimum twelve month time frame.
Types of Mentoring
- Volunteer with one youth (one-to-one mentoring)
Place Where Mentoring Occurs
- Community-based (community activities might include, sports, meals, museums, concerts, etc.)
- Other: Flexible meeting places and times.
Hours Needed
- Weekday Mornings: 8 am to Noon
- Weekday Afternoon: Noon to 3 pm
- Weekday After School: 3 pm to 5 pm
- Weekday Evenings: 5 pm to 9 pm
- Weekend
Contact Information
Web: www.powerhouseprogram.org
Contact: Maria Hein
Phone: (503) 234-8757 24
Email: maria@powerhouseprogram.org
Locations Served
- Multnomah County
