Mentoring provides the support that most of us took for granted when we were 20 something. It's the key to whether a young person flounders or takes the steps necessary to achieve independence. It keeps them off the street and out of jail. And it only takes a few hours a week (or more if you want).
We ask that mentors commit to 2 years, but each of our young people are assigned a mentoring group of 3-5, so you are not the sole support of your mentee. You have a support system from your mentoring group, and from our mentoring coordinator.
Life happens, so if during your 2 year commitment you have to drop out for a while, your mentee is still being supported by the rest of his/her mentors.
The pressure is off you individually.
All of our mentors find it extremely rewarding to work with a young person who WANTS to succeed. They are all highly motivated, and just need the extra support to succeed.
Mentors are required to:
- Make weekly contact with their mentee, usually by phone
- Do a monthly activity with their mentee such as watching a movie, going to dinner, or going to church
- Participate in a monthly meeting (usually a teleconference) with your mentor group to discuss issues and schedule for the upcoming month.
- Participate in a quarterly gathering with all mentors, mentees, and the coordinator for fun and training.
For more information, contact Laurel at 865-257-1364, laurelbowen@yahoo.com
The Mentor Application can be printed and mailed to:
SEEED
2805 Woodbine Ave.
Knoxville TN 37914
