Child Mentors

(Sisters/Brothers INN Action)

Specific Duties:  To invest in the life of one specific child through:

• Regular interaction.
• Help with Schoolwork.
• Activities and outings determined by the mentor, the child, the parent, and the staff.
• Focusing attention, while at the shelter, upon the assigned child.
• Developing a secure, reliable, and kind friendship.

Qualifications/Skills:  Mentors need to be dependable, reliable and flexible.  They also need to be trustworthy and kind.  Mentors should exhibit a sincere concern for helping homeless children.  Previous experience working with children is a plus.  Good references from employers and school associates are important.

Minimum Age:  18

Hours/Dates:  Mentoring positions are currently available.  The specific days and times that a mentor will meet with a child are flexible and will be worked out by the mentor, the child and the parent.  We do ask that the mentor come at least two-three hours twice a month for a six month period.  Many of the families, especially the children, have lived with tremendous amounts of instability.  By coming consistently for a reasonable amount of time the volunteer can contribute to the child’s sense of worth and security!

Goals:

• To model a healthy, mature life for the child.
• To expand the child’s experience by enabling them to participate in new activities.
• To encourage the child to know that they are valuable and cared about.

Brothers and Sisters INN Action need to be people who are willing to consistently give of themselves to help a homeless child.  Many of these children feel scared and alone.  The mentor has an opportunity to change that.  Thank you for taking up the challenge and offering to help homeless families in this way.  We look forward to talking to you about this position.  Should you have any questions please call the Director of Family & Volunteer Services, Ginny Sidmore at 978-531-9775 Ext. 16 or email at vsidmore@cahns.org.