Mentoring
Since its inception, the Mentoring program has connected over 4,000 children and 500 caregivers with dedicated and supportive mentors. Mentors provide a safe space for youth and caregivers to expand their horizons. Our staff and volunteers help mentees learn about the resources available within the community while tapping into their strengths to identify and strive towards specific personal improvement goals.
Long-Term Mentoring Program
The long-term mentoring program is designed to empower youth and caregivers to achieve personal success.
Our Mentoring participants often come to us with low self-esteem. They struggle at home, school, or at work. Their environment and challenging circumstances make it difficult for them to show up as the best version of themselves. More times than not, they need someone to show up for them, guide them, and listen and care.
We match participants with trained volunteer mentors. Our mentors care about their mentees and spend quality time together to instill confidence in their mentees. By building a trusting relationship, mentees learn new skills, discover new passions, and grow exponentially.
Read Joseph's story to see just one life we've changed.
Long-term Mentoring matches require a commitment of 18 months, with an option to renew as desired.
Short-Term Mentoring Program
Sometimes, we just need someone to talk to, someone to share the good and the bad in our week, someone to make us laugh.
For older adults, it can be difficult to maintain friendships in person. Health, caregiving obligations, and social isolation all exacerbate loneliness, which can lead to cognitive decline and poor physical and mental health.
The short-term mentoring program is perfect for seniors who miss being connected to others in their community but do not have the time or ability to leave their homes. Participants receive weekly phone calls from our volunteers, providing the social support seniors need.
Matches are renewed on a month-to-month basis, based on the needs of our participants and the availability of our volunteers.
For more information, contact Lisa Tredici at ltredici@bergenvolunteers.org