WHY BE A MENTOR?

There are many youth between the ages of 6 and 18 that are identified as “at-risk youth” by school counselors or county social workers. Many of these at-risk youth come from unstable home environments.  County social workers have recognized these youth as needing an adult mentor that can provide some stability in their lives. Adult volunteers are recruited and trained by the team members from Safety Net Mentor Program, then matched with at-risk youth.
      

 “Just recently, my mentee, Mariah, asked me if I knew why she liked to come to my house,” said Safety Net Mentor, Nicole Workman. “I said no," and she replied, ‘It's because I like you.’  I know it sounds simple and like nothing you would expect to feel good from, but through all the turmoil and moving and chaos, Mariah has found something she likes and someone she is comfortable around.  I feel that is the whole purpose of a Mentor Program. She plays a parental role in the home and when she is with me, we cook together, play and do fun activities.  She helps me work sometimes and I hope that she sees that work ethic is a great thing to have.”    
        

For these youth, mentors become the dependable, trusted adult in their lives; someone they can learn from and go to for advice.  A mentor is a friend, a guide—a role model for healthy relationships.  Many
mentors provide the only opportunity for these youth to be a child.
       

A 1998 study conducted by Grossman and Tierney showed that adult interaction was a critical factor for fostering positive outcomes for at-risk youth.  Communities that provide the resource of caring adults can make a difference in many children’s lives.  Utah County has been able to tap into their resource of college students.  More than 60 percent of adult volunteer mentors are students from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.
        

To become a volunteer, one must be a stable adult, over 21 years old, and make a minimum one hour per week commitment for one year.  Activities can range from a planned activity, to riding bikes or baking cookies in your home.
       

Safety Net Mentor Program was developed more than 11 years ago as a prevention measure for at-risk youth.  The program was adopted and is funded by the State of Utah Division of Child and Family Services.
       

If you would like more information, please contact Karla Sedillo, 801-224-7842, or visit Safety Net Mentor Program at www.safetynetmentor.org.