How well do you know your mentee?

Hello WONDERFUL Mentors,

I want to know how well you know your mentee. Here are a few questions:

*What is your mentees favorite type of music?
*What sport does your mentee most enjoy watching or playing?
*What foods do your mentee like most?
*What is your mentees most prize possession?
*What is your mentees favorite book?
*What is your mentees favorite T.V. show?

If you don't already know the answers to these questions there's a very simple way to find out. Just ask! I'll be looking for your response. It's okay if you choose to be anonymous. I just want to hear from you.

Monitoring is hard but very rewarding

I became a mentor on January of this year. I mentor 2 brothers, ages 6 and 8. It has been pretty rewarding and challenging road.

The reward I get is through their smiles and laughter that let me know I did something right.

But the challenge is when they don't want to participate or even try out new and different activities. When they even seem bored when any other child their age should be having the time of their lives. I have looked at their eyes and I found out that they have a difficult time letting loose and having fun. They, as many of our mentees, have gone through so much during their short lives. They come from homes where they have seen more than any child should experience in their life time.
I have to keep reminding myself that I am here to show them a different environment, to show them how to have fun, and to help them out whenever they ask for help.
My reward would come later when I see them grow up to be productive men.

I know many of you have voice your frustations to our program staff, but please remember these are not privilege children, they don't come from stable families. You cannot expect to have a wonderful relationship without any bumps along the road.

These is a blog made for you to seek advice and to give advice, to voice out your frustations and to recover all hope... Please use it.

A space for you to share your thoughts

Here is your chance to post your questions, or comments about your mentoring experiences. Many of you feel a little frustrated because mentoring is not turning out to be how you had dreamed it, Perfect! Mentoring is a very rewarding activity in the long run. Many of you will not see any changes the first, second or third month. Remember that you are working with kids who have suffered tremendously. They have experienced very difficult times for their young age. You might not see the impact you are having in that child's life, but trust me you are making a difference. Please post your experiences as a mentor.

Want to make a Difference? Mentor a Child

I am looking for volunteers who like kids and who would like to make a difference in a child’s life. Embracing Our Youth is a program where children who have a parent in prison are linked with a mentor, (a positive role model to prevent the cycle of incarceration.)

Please give me a call if you are interested in learning more about the program or if you have any questions, (310) 764-0955 x103 Please pass along this message to people who might want to help, people who have the heart for it, and those who live in Los Angeles Area.

Mission Statement

Empowering youth for a better future through mentoring by providing a healthy, supportive relationship with a caring and responsible adult.

The Program Goals

Our goal is to provide a positive adult role model to children who are at risk for poor outcomes such as gang involvement, drug abuse, teen pregnancy, and failure to thrive in school. Our program aims to promote safe, one-on-one, trusting interactions between adult mentors and children. Statistics show that mentoring relationships cultivate positive behavior in children, leading to improvement in academic achievement, personal responsibility, self-confidence and interpersonal relationships.

The Mentors

· Mentors are adult volunteers who are good listeners, people who care, and people who want to help children through academic support as well as exposure to a variety of experiences they might not otherwise encounter.

· Mentors are recruited from within the community, including service organizations, local college students, senior centers, and faith-based organizations.

· Mentors are carefully screened and must agree to a background check prior to acceptance into the program.

· Mentors are committed to attend six hours of training and at least one hour of one-on-one contact with their mentee each week for at least a period of 9 months to a year.

* Mentors must be at least 18 yrs of age.

The Children

· Youth are between the ages of 4 and 15 years old, with a parent incarcerated in federal or state or local prisons.
· Families live in Los Angeles Area


INMED Partnerships for Children/MotherNet L.A.
409 E. Palmer Street
Compton, CA. 90221
http://www.inmed.org/
_________________
Laura Moller-Leon
Program Manager, MotherNet L.A.
310-764-0955 x103