Join our Mentor Team
Why Mentor?
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“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."
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- Brittany Gonzalez, volunteer mentor
As a volunteer with the Home Mentoring Program, you have so much to offer our region’s refugee youth.
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But we fundamentally believe that this experience has just as much, if not more, to offer you.
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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
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Dedicate 2 hours per week to activities with your student
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1 Year Commitment
Mentors begin their assignment in May of each year and continue through the following May. The summer months offer valuable opportunities to bond with your mentee before the start of a challenging school year.
Strong Candidates for Mentoring
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Have reliable access to transportation
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Are able to set aside 2 hours on a given day each week and maintain a consistent schedule for mentoring sessions
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Are good listeners, open minded, and empathetic
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Remain committed and resilient despite challenges in the relationship
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Are flexible and creative problem solvers
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Are willing to work collaboratively alongside their student to develop goals and plan activities
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Put the student’s perspectives and needs before their own ambitions
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Honor the role and authority of a student’s guardian or caregiver
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Are willing to communicate with program staff, comply with program requirements, and take advantage of training and resource opportunities to provide quality mentoring
New Mentor Enrollment Timeline
Application Timelines
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Apply now to show your interest in the 2019 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.
New Mentor Orientations: Multiple dates offered January - April 2019
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Student Matching and Training Event: April and May 2019
Mentors who have cleared all stages of the onboarding process and are selected to participate will attend a final training at which they will receive student match information.
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Mentors and students are introduced and mentoring begins for 2019-2020 Cycle: May 2019
Enrollment Requirements
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Submit an Application
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Interview with a Refugee Response Staff Member
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Attend New Mentor Orientation and follow up Training Event
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Submit all required paperwork
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Pass a Background Check
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Comply with program policies and ethics rules
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Respond promptly to email and phone communication by our staff
If you still have questions about the Mentor enrollment process or requirements, please reach out to our Education Program Coordinator for more information.
