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 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.

[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!!

[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.

[Janet]

How exciting Sheryl. You are going to make a big difference in a child's life. They need us soooo bad.

As hard as it is sometimes with a select few on my bus, I know they need a kind word, instruction, and to know what trust is. I am just so happy you are doing this.

[Mandy]

Originally Posted by 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.

Girl you must be over the moon! I'm so glad it's starting to roll... it won't be long now. You are going to make some kid very very happy

[rivermom]

I wanted to give you all a follow up on today's interview. Let me just say when I walked outta there (running to my car as it was pouring down rain) I was totally exhausted, whew!! Being finger/palm printed was somewhat humorous to me, never done that before, LOL. And the paperwork, gosh pages and pages. I think I wrote my address out a million times. (which by the way is a tremendously long address so that part was tedius (sp) )

The interview one on one lasted about 2 hours. I never in my mind figured out is would be soooo in depth. They even asked all about my friends and if any had been abused. I had to tell the lady (all of which is being tape recorded) that a girl friend of mine which is listed as one of my references is abused by her husband. Recently I even had to call the police and watched him being arrested and taken away in cuffs. I explained that I am hated by her husband now. After crying and becoming embarrased I then felt bad thinking I had broken some privacy lines w/ my girlfriend. UGH! Luckily we moved on w/ the interview onto other happier topics.

The FBI check takes 6-8 weeks. I never realized it would take such a long time. Me being of one that has no patience whatsoever, this process is gonna kill me. I laugh thinking I could go in there and say "ok, here to pick up my new little friend, bye'. LOL. Oh no, not even close!! Once the FBI check has cleared (not worried about that part) I do more interviewing with the facility then the process of finding a child (they call them Little's) to be matched up with. Sadly to say, this process could take up to a year.

They are very determined to match you with a child they feel can truly bond with you. The program with the "Little" can last upto a year or even some are with their "Little's" now 10 years. How amazing is this?!!?

It just kinda brought me down a tad thinking I may have to wait up to a year to find the special "Little" to begin the program with. That's such a long long time!!

Throughout the process my emotions went from "high" thinking oh I know I would make a "Little" really happy, I know I can pass all the tests, etc. Then my emotions went to "low" thinking, gosh what if the "Little" doesn't like me, or I can't get matched up? Am I good enough for this program? Does this lady sitting here interviewing like me? Am I saying the right things? I totally feel like I am making an idiot out of myself and getting totally nervous. It truly was very overwhelming yet the most exciting and thrilling thing I think I have ever done in my life thus far.

So I guess I wont have much news about this program for quite awhile but atleast I have something truly wonderful to look forward to.

[rivermom]

I rec'vd a letter from BBBS saying that the background checks have been completed and my acceptance into their program is complete. So excited!!!

They work now on matching my hubby and I up with our "Little girl".

[Gina]

Originally Posted by rivermom

I rec'vd a letter from BBBS saying that the background checks have been completed and my acceptance into their program is complete. So excited!!!

They work now on matching my hubby and I up with our "Little girl".

Sheryl this is wonderful news The interview that you went through is probably a formality and they have to scruntize the person indepth for the welfare of the child I am sure.I believe in just being yourself and you will shine through. But!! you were accepted yayayay' so now the waiting period begins.. I know that it is frustrating but girl time flies so quickly and they will find the perfect little girl for your family.. Congratulations!!

[Janet]

What a wonderful, caring way to start the new year, making a difference in a child's life. Let us know when you get your little girl and tell a little about her. I can just tell from your posts how excited you are.....I'm excited for you!!!


I always like the saying: The best way to exercise your heart, is to pick up a child.