Information for Parents
There never seems to be enoug h hours in the day to get the kids to school, go to work, get the laundry washed, clean the house, pay the bills and most importantly...spend time with your children. Mentor Duluth can help. We find positive adult role models to spend quality time with children between the ages of 5-18 and who are enrolled in school. Mentors will develop a safe, supportive and caring relationship with a child by being a friend, guide and companion. After all, every child can benefit from having another adult role model in his/her life, other than a parent!
Who Are Community and School-Based Mentors?
Mentors come from all walks of life. Mentor Duluth requires all mentors to be at least 18 years old and out of high school. They must have a valid driver's license with access to a vehicle. Our mentors are comfortable with and have experience working with children. They are committed to developing a special relationship with a child All mentors go through a thorough screening process before they meet a child and family. That process includes:
- Initial Interview (A face-to-face meeting with a Mentor Duluth staff member)
- Application
- Personal and professional references
- State criminal background check
- Screening (An interview with a professional who holds a Masters degree or higher)
Community Based Mentors are matched with a child with similar interests. A community mentor spends one-on-one time with a child doing fun activities in the community. Activities can be anything from a UMD hockey game, a hike up the North Shore or an activity through the Mentor Duluth Program. Mentors are asked to spend at least 10-12 hours with a child each month for at least one year. School Based Mentors are matched with a child at an elementary school in the Duluth-Superior area. Mentors and reading partners are asked to spend an hour a week during the school year with a child in the child's school. Mentors and children engage in both academic and social activities on school grounds.
How Are Children Matched?
Children enrolled in Mentor Duluth are matched with a mentor based on common interests and personalities. Priority goes to children who have been waiting the longest for a mentor and children whose siblings are matched. However, program advocates choose several children whose interests are similar to the mentor, the decision is then left up to the mentor. When a child is chosen, the child's parent/guardian is contacted to meet the mentor. If the mentor and parent/guardian are comfortable making the match, the child is introduced.
How Do I Enroll My Child(ren)?
The parent/guardian needs to complete an application form for each child and then meet with a Mentor Duluth Program Advocate from one of the youth-serving agencies (list on the other side). All families will work with a program advocate who will learn more about the child to help make the best match possible. Program advocates and the parent/guardian are also responsible for supporting matches after they are made. For a successful experience, it is extremely important that both the parent/guardian and the child be interested in participating in the Mentor Duluth program.
What Are Other Benefits of Being Enrolled In Mentor Duluth?
Every child enrolled in Mentor Duluth receives a FREE Duluth YMCA membership. If the family has a child under the age of 10 and is eligible under specified income guidelines, the family may also receive a FREE family membership to use the YMCA facilities. Children also can take advantage of FREE tickets to sporting events, plays, concerts, and other fun activities which are donated to the Mentor Duluth program.