The M.E.N. Incorporated Mentoring Program of Houston helps to empower young men in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young man for a period of at least one year. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.
Mentor Role
Take the lead in supporting a young man through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship or group setting
Serve as a positive role model and friend
Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together
Strive for mutual respect
Build self-esteem and motivation
Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them
Time Commitment
Make a one-year commitment
Spend a minimum of six hours per month one-to-one with a mentee or group
Communicate with the mentee weekly
Attend an initial training session and additional training sessions during each year of participation in the program
Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events
Participation Requirements
Be at least 21 years old
Reside in Houston metro area
Be interested in working with young men, Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures, Be willing to complete the application and screening process
Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments
Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed
Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities
Have access to an automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record
Have a clean criminal history, No use of illicit drugs
No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner
Not currently in treatment for substance abuse and have a non-addictive period of at least five years, Not currently in treatment for a mental disorder or hospitalized for such in the past three years
Desirable Qualities
Willing listener
Encouraging and supportive
Patient and flexible
Tolerant and respectful of individual differences
Benefits
Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals
Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals
Training sessions and group activities
Participation in a mentor support group
Mileage and expenses are tax deductible
Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed
Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participant recognition events
Application and Screening Process
Written/typewritten application
Criminal history check: state, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry
Personal interview, Provide two personal references, Attend mentor training
For more information, contact the M.E.N. Incorporated Mentoring Program at 346-319-4794 or
info@meninchouston.org AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (KEEP THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS)