ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

The Y is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility. That's because a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.

The Mentors Inspiring Success Program is a collaboration between the Elk River YMCA and Sherburne County, and funded through OJJDP. The goal of MISP is to assist children (ages 6-17) involved with the foster care system by establishing a close connection with an adult through a mentoring relationship.  In the short term, the program will prevent foster care placements, transition children out of foster care and prevent children from re-entry into the foster care system.  In the long-term, children will develop the life skills necessary to become successful adults who are not reliant on the social services or justice systems.

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Meet once a week with your mentee for one year's time

o Meetings might vary between 1-5 hours at a time and may be community-based events and activities (such as: seeing a movie, having a meal together, participating in a sporting event, going to the YMCA to attend a class, etc) or monthly events put on by the Mentors Inspiring Success Program.

· Be on time for scheduled meetings with your mentee

· Act in accordance with program policies and procedures

· Keep open communication with your mentee/mentee family, as well as with program staff

· Attend on-going mentor training sessions twice a year (no cost to you)

MENTORS MUST:

· be at least 19 years of age

· commit to a minimum of one in-person visit per week lasting at least one hour with the mentee for 1:1 mentoring

· complete the screening procedure including a background check

· have access to an automobile or reliable transportation

· have never been accused, arrested, charged, or convicted of child abuse

· be free of any felony convictions within the past seven years

· be encouraging and supportive

· be patient and flexible

· be accepting and respectful of individual differences

BENEFITS:

Free YMCA Membership!