Key elements of mentor support

Volunteers

In order to ensure a high-quality cadre of mentors, our core group of volunteers comes from personal referrals by individuals and groups associated with BEST Kids. We seek volunteers with churches and civic organizations who already know each other and are familiar with the culture and diversity of our target population. This, we believe, will increase the probability of their long-term involvement with the program. However, anyone is welcome to apply as a volunteer, and if BEST Kids and the prospective volunteer believe the program is a good fit, the prospective volunteer will become an integral asset to the program.

During the initial assessment and training, volunteers will identify their values and larger purpose, which are to blend with BEST Kids Mentoring Program’s philosophy, before they are assigned a child. BEST Kids Mentoring Program in turn will support the volunteer’s personal goals through “networking” and fellowship with other mentors and BEST Kids affiliations.

We seek volunteers of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.  In order to be cleared to work with a BEST Kids youth, mentors must pass a series of background and criminal history checks including FBI, Police Department, and Child Protective Registry clearances.

Effective training

A dynamic and relevant training program conducted by experienced trainers will be provided to each mentor over an extended period of time. A diverse group of culturally sensitive trainers that includes experienced mentors, social workers, mental health professionals, lawyers,  and educators will deliver the training.

Case Management with manageable numbers

An experienced case management team will oversee each mentor-child match. Our goal is to better the National Mentoring Partnership’s recommendation of at least one full time equivalent case manager for each of the 25 matches.

On-going support

Mentors will meet regularly for networking and training. Experienced social workers, teachers, psychiatrists and psychologists will be available to help focus on appropriate approaches with the children and engage in role-playing scenarios. The child’s assessments will be shared with each mentor to help in establishing individualized goals. Events will be designed to support the caregiver and reduce family isolation. These events will educate the family members about the skills their child is learning and how these skills can be reinforced at home.

Comprehensive Collaborations

BEST Kids leverages available community resources with the dedication of caring volunteers and mental health professionals. Our intent is to develop strategic partnerships with organizations that can support our mission. This collaborative effort will seek to include public and private social service agencies and community organizations, faith based and secular groups, inner city and suburban churches, for-profit corporations, federal agencies and school systems. Click on our Partners for more information.