HOME MENTORING PROGRAM

WHY MENTOR?

“I always tell people that [my mentee and her family] do more for me than I could ever do for them. Through them I’ve learned and practiced resiliency, empathy, patience, and commitment. I would encourage others to get involved because it truly opens up your worldview. It will allow you to see outside yourself and also inside yourself in new ways. It will challenge you to be a better you. And it will give you the opportunity to make a real difference in a child’s life." 

- Brittany G., Volunteer Mentor

INTERESTED IN MENTORING?

We are accepting volunteers for a handful of remaining placements. Complete our online application to express your interest and receive a followup from our staff.

Read on to learn about application requirements, important dates, and more. 

To express your interest in becoming a volunteer mentor please fill out an application. Our Education staff will reach out to you shortly afterwards to provide you with further information and answer any questions you may have about the program.

MENTORING ACTIVITIES

Mentors spend 2 hours a week with their assigned student at the student’s home or out exploring Cleveland. Mentors spend time getting to know their student and develop a set of personalized goals to address during their time together. Mentors engage their students in a variety of activities that include academics, as well as cultural and community exploration. Mentors support students in the strengthening of literacy and math skills, accompany families to parent teacher conferences, and help students develop positive outlooks and habits. They celebrate birthdays and milestones, play basketball together, go to the movies, and make frequent trips for ice cream. They explore the local libraries, go hiking in the Metro Parks, visit the Zoo, and attend holiday parades.

COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS

STRONG CANDIDATES

• Have reliable access to transportation

• Are able to set aside 2 hours on a given day each week and maintain a consistent schedule for mentoring sessions

• Are good listeners, open minded, and empathetic

• Remain committed and resilient despite challenges in the relationship

• Are flexible and creative problem solvers

• Are willing to work collaboratively alongside their student to develop goals and plan activities

• Put the student’s perspectives and needs before their own ambitions

• Honor the role and authority of a student’s guardian or caregiver

• Are willing to communicate with program staff, comply with program requirements, and take advantage of training and resource opportunities to provide quality mentoring

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Submit an Application.

• Interview with a Refugee Response Staff Member.

• Attend New Mentor Information Session and follow up Training Event.

• Submit all required paperwork.

• Pass a Background Check.

• Comply with program policies and ethics rules.

• Respond promptly to email and phone communication by our staff.

IMPORTANT DATES

New Mentor Enrollment Timeline

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APPLY

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Fill out an Application to show your interest in the 2020 Cycle, join our mailing list, receive informational newsletters, and invitations to upcoming orientation dates. You will also receive a friendly message from our staff to address any questions you may have.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Expand your horizons in Cleveland's own backyard. Become a mentor to a
resettled refugee youth.