Juvenile Enrichment through Mentoring (JEM)
Run by Mid Valley Mentors
Program Details
Recruitment Status
- Accepting Male Mentors: Yes
- Accepting Female Mentors: Yes
- Accepting Male Mentees: Wait list
- Accepting Female Mentees: Yes
Program Description
Mid Valley Mentors’ Juvenile Enrichment through Mentoring Program (JEM) provides one-to-one volunteer-driven mentoring for youth ages 4-18 impacted by incarceration in Marion and Polk Counties. Volunteer mentors meet with their mentee for one hour a week for 12 months.
In addition to weekly mentoring, JEM participants benefit from exposure to higher education, life skill development and community involvement opportunities. JEM focuses on providing quality mentoring relationships by supporting volunteers with ongoing supervision, development trainings, support groups, regular mentor-youth group activities and access to resources.
Mid Valley Mentors also operates the Mentor Activity Center to provide a safe, supervised environment with a variety of games and resources for mentors and youth to utilize for their mentoring meetings.
Ages of Youth in the Program
7 to 18
Description of Youth in the Program
- Children of prisoners
- Youth referred by the juvenile department
Quality Standards of Program
All mentors are rigorously screened and must pass a background check before being accepted into our program.
Volunteers receive approximately 8 hours of training before they are matched with the child that they choose and then receive ongoing training opportunities and support from our staff after they have been matched. Mentors commit to meeting with their mentee either at school or in the community for 1 hour a week for a minimum of twelve months.
Mid Valley Mentors provides dedicated case managers to volunteers and families to ensure a successful mentoring relationship throughout the 12 months. Case managers provide support, guidance and resources.
Youth Goals and Outcomes
- Provide stable consistent adult role model
- Improve academic achievement
- Improve peer relationships
- Improve family stability and relationships
- Reduce the rates of recidivism among offending youth
- Reduce involvement in drugs, alcohol, and gangs
Mentor Profile
Summary of position:
You can support the social and emotional development of a child impacted by incarceration by simply providing friendship as a mentor.
Mid Valley Mentors is a community-driven program that provides mentoring and support services for youth ages 4-18. Our mentors meet one-to-one, providing youth with friendship, guidance and the support of a positive role model.
Mentors meet with their mentee (youth) for one hour each week doing fun activities such as playing basketball, doing arts and crafts, visiting the library, going to the park or any number of similar activities. Prior experience as a mentor or working with youth is NOT required.
Mentor Roles & Responsibilities:
1. Meet with mentee once a week for one hour.
2. Support youth in personal, social, academic/vocational development.
3. Create an environment of acceptance, trust, respect, and support for youth.
4. Document contacts with youth, submit monthly reporting form.
5. Maintain regular communication with program staff.
Requirements:
• Must be 18 years or older
• Available to mentor for at least 12 months.
• Submit to and pass federal fingerprint criminal history screening.
• A valid driver’s license, good driving history, and verifiable auto insurance.
• Attend orientation and training prior to placement with a youth.
Frequency: One hour a week.
Duration: 12 months.
Location: Optional. Mentors can conduct activities at the child’s school, a local Boys & Girls Club, Mid Valley Mentors’ Mentor Center or various locations throughout the community.
Desired Characteristics:
• Flexible, dependable individuals who are consistent with their commitments.
• Friendly, outgoing individuals with a genuine concern for others well-being.
• Ability to establish relationships based on respect and trust.
• Strong listening and communication skills.
• Ability to relate well to others; value for diversity.
For more information about mentoring visit www.midvalleymentors.org or contact us by phone at 503-584-4865 or email at info@midvalleymentors.org
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.)
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
Contact: Sarah Spinks
Phone: (503) 584-4865
Email: info@midvalleymentors.org
Locations Served
- Marion County
- Polk County
