Child Mentoring Program

[rivermom]

I have started the process today of submitting applications for volunteer work in mentoring a child.

My question is have any of ever been involved in this sort of program or in the process now? If so, how is it going?

I have been tossing this around in my head/heart for years now. With two of my three children being grown and now adults Id like to give some of my time to a small child. Hopeing to maybe bring something positive into their life.

I have so much time on my hands that it's time to do something useful and that makes a difference.

[Janet]

What a wonderful person you must be. This world needs more people like you. I have often thought of doing the same thing in some way. We have talked about becoming foster parents, but have never followed through.

I do lend my ear and advice to the students on my bus. Some of their stories would make to flinch. They know I'm there for them everyday.

[Mandy]

Originally Posted by rivermom

I have started the process today of submitting applications for volunteer work in mentoring a child.

My question is have any of ever been involved in this sort of program or in the process now? If so, how is it going?

I have been tossing this around in my head/heart for years now. With two of my three children being grown and now adults Id like to give some of my time to a small child. Hopeing to maybe bring something positive into their life.

I have so much time on my hands that it's time to do something useful and that makes a difference.

That's a great idea! There are too many kids that are in need of positives in their lives

Good for you for wanting to do this

[Gina]

That is truly wonderful and like Janet said you are a special person. I have worked in the public school system as a paraprofessional, I worked with Special Ed children one on one . Where exactly are you looking to mentor? Or are you looking to foster a needy child?

My son is a Senior in high school and he was ask to talk to a child in 2nd grade that was having problems in the home. The poor little fellow was really having it hard at school and kicked the teacher and was mean to all the kids and my son went to school and talked to him and now the child has turned around to a good kid. He goes to see him once a week now and has made a new friend.

[rivermom]

Originally Posted by Salbug12

My son is a Senior in high school and he was ask to talk to a child in 2nd grade that was having problems in the home. The poor little fellow was really having it hard at school and kicked the teacher and was mean to all the kids and my son went to school and talked to him and now the child has turned around to a good kid. He goes to see him once a week now and has made a new friend.

What a very special son you have!!!!!!!!! The bond can be incredible from the stories I hear and read about. How wonderful for both your son and this child!!

[rivermom]

Originally Posted by Gina

That is truly wonderful and like Janet said you are a special person. I have worked in the public school system as a paraprofessional, I worked with Special Ed children one on one . Where exactly are you looking to mentor? Or are you looking to foster a needy child?

Thanks. How wonderful you gave your time to a special child(ren)!! We have a local program here in town. They match you up w/ a child who has the same interests and are both matched up being compatible. The program is to be a positive influence w/ in the childs life. The child comes from a broken home, no siblings to share time w/, etc. The matching up takes place after a background check is done on the volunteer (myself) and they find a child they feel would be best suited. It could take place quickly or there might be a long wait find a best suited child.

They have volunteer's from college students, adults as myself w/ a lot of time on their hands, grandparents, or even couples. I am sure my husband will take place being w/ me and this child as he LOVES kids and visa versa.

You just "hang" out with the child w/ hopes of bring something positive and reassuring to the child. The visits are usually weekly or more, depending on your own schedule. You can either visit with the child in a public community center with others, or take the child and plan "outtings" with them.

I am so very excited to get started and matched w/ a child. My desires are to be matched with a girl 8-11 years of age. I have many ideas and hopes as to what this child and myself will do, I just hope it all works out. My greater hopes are to make a difference in a childs life. It means a great deal to me.

I will know more once I get further along in the program.

[Gina]

Originally Posted by rivermom

Thanks. How wonderful you gave your time to a special child(ren)!! We have a local program here in town. They match you up w/ a child who has the same interests and are both matched up being compatible. The program is to be a positive influence w/ in the childs life. The child comes from a broken home, no siblings to share time w/, etc. The matching up takes place after a background check is done on the volunteer (myself) and they find a child they feel would be best suited. It could take place quickly or there might be a long wait find a best suited child.

They have volunteer's from college students, adults as myself w/ a lot of time on their hands, grandparents, or even couples. I am sure my husband will take place being w/ me and this child as he LOVES kids and visa versa.

You just "hang" out with the child w/ hopes of bring something positive and reassuring to the child. The visits are usually weekly or more, depending on your own schedule. You can either visit with the child in a public community center with others, or take the child and plan "outtings" with them.

I am so very excited to get started and matched w/ a child. My desires are to be matched with a girl 8-11 years of age. I have many ideas and hopes as to what this child and myself will do, I just hope it all works out. My greater hopes are to make a difference in a childs life. It means a great deal to me.

I will know more once I get further along in the program.

That sounds like a great program and all these children benefit from visiting and being paired with an adult. These children who come from a broken home, or do not have siblings are probably lonely. You will make a difference in a childs life and how rewarding is that... God bless and I hope that they pair you up with the little girl soon. If everyone who has time on their hands took a few hrs. a week out of their lives to mentor these children, what a great world this would be.

[rivermom]

I am so excited! I just received a phone call from the agency and have been set up to meet with them Friday for an interview.

What's even better is my husband being the kid lover that he is will take part in this child's life too. So, the program actually has a name for couples who want to mentor, it's "Big Family".

They will run a FBI full background check, driving record/insurance, etc and then they get the ball rolling further. My husband has already gone through the FBI check last year being he does firework shows. Being I don't even have a driving violation I have no worries about what they will find about myself.

I can't wait to find out who I will be matched up with.