Becoming a Mentor

Becoming a Mentor

Becoming a Mentor

"My main goal is to let (student) know I'm there for her, to listen and not pass judgment...I am so proud of her and the progress she has made. Being a mentor takes such a small amount of time, but can make a big impact on someone's life. It certainly has on mine." -Quote from a mentor

What is a Mentor, anyway?

A Mentor IS:

  • A trusted friend
  • A good role model
  • A good listener
  • A committed adult
  • A reliable adult

Mentor is NOT:

  • A savior
  • A foster parent
  • A therapist
  • A tutor

All mentor applicants must:

  • Attend a mentor training seminar
  • Undergo two formal background checks for criminal history
  • Complete application forms that include work history and references

Mentors accepted into the program must commit to one school year involvement of weekly meetings. Most mentors continue in subsequent years meeting with the same student. Attendance is encouraged for two special evening events and occasional "brown bag meetings" where mentors and staff meet for sharing information and questions.

What does a mentor do with his/her mentee?

Meetings take place on school grounds during the school day. Most pairs eat lunch, play board games, do crafts or just talk. Unit 40 provides lunch for the mentor.

Further Information

If you would like a brochure or are interested in more information on getting involved, contact: Rhonda Wines, Central School Program Facilitator - email  [email protected] or call (217-540-1413)

We are happy to give informational presentations to your group or business!

The Unit 40 Mentoring Program follows nationally-recognized procedures of managing a quality mentoring program as published in "Elements of Effective Practice" (National Mentoring Partnership, 2003)

Mentoring Program

Attention Employers:

Mentoring is a sound investment!*

Giving your employees the flexibility to mentor for one lunch hour per week can positively affect the bottom line of your company by:

  • Improving employee retention
  • Expanding productivity & job satisfaction
  • Building teamwork skills
  • Increasing company pride and morale

Mentoring also helps businesses to:

  • Improve their image in the community
  • Increase community awareness of their mission
  • Reach strategic goals
  • Prepare a more productive workforce
  • Create a pool of future employees

Employees who were released one hour per week to mentor a child benefited by:

  • Experiencing improved satisfaction at work
  • Accepting greater challenges at work and home
  • Learning more about themselves
  • Increasing self-worth and sense of responsibility
  • Improving their personal values and beliefs
  • Increasing a sense of responsibility
  • Gaining an appreciation of youth from diverse backgrounds

*Corporate Volunteer Programs- A Strategic Resource: The Link Grows Stronger, 1999