Weekly Visits at School or Afterschool Program

Time Commitment: 45-60 Minutes each Week
Location: Participating School or Afterschool Program
Activities: Could include playing games, doing art projects and crafts, talking and sharing jokes, reading books, and brushing up on classwork.

The Site-Based Mentoring Program concept is simple. It is to provide children and youth (Littles), in grades kindergarten through eighth, a supportive, one-to-one relationship with an adult mentor (Big), to Defend their Potential and Create Possibilities. Academics and learning are part of the relationship, but the primary focus is the one-to-one friendship, support and positive role modeling. The program is designed to serve students, identified by school personnel, as needing extra guidance and support. Bigs meet with their Littles at a participating school once a week for 45-60 minutes during the school day at a time that’s convenient for them and acceptable to the teacher.

Bigs are asked to make a commitment for at least one school year in the program but we’re hopeful that they’ll continue until their Little transitions to high school. These matches are eligible to transfer to one of our community-based programs if there is a desire to continue meeting. Many of matches result in a lifelong friendship.  

A professional staff person supports the match and has regular contact with the Big, Little and his/her parent/guardian to offer advice and support, encourage focus on the match goals, and to ensure the Little’s safety is always paramount.