Senior Friend Description
A mentor is someone who has found ways to succeed in life and cares enough to pass those lessons along.
General description of the program and of the Senior Friend's role:
The Best Friends Mentoring Program matches at-risk children ages 6-16 in southwest North Dakota with responsible, caring adult role models in in their home communities. A senior Friend provides a one-to-one friendship with a child who is at risk of future delinquency, violence, drug and alcohol use, or dropping out of school.
Senior Friend Responsibilities:
- Spend at least 4-6 hours per month with the Junior Friend.
- Be prompt, courteous, and considerate.
- Role model a positive, caring, and responsible lifestyle.
- Attend program orientation and at least 2 training sessions per year.
- Submit a log of time spent volunteering with the Best Friends Mentoring Program.
- Keep confidential matters concerning the Junior Friend and the Junior Friend's family.
- Keep the office staff informed of address and phone number changes, and any extended absences or resignation.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must enjoy spending time with children.
- Must have time to consistently contact a child by phone at least once a week or in person at least 6-8 hours per month.
- Must commit to the program for at least 9 months.
- Must consent to background and reference checks.
Benefits:
- Build leadership and job skills while contributing to a child's later productivity, creativity, and community responsibility.
- Make new friends.
- Attend regular training for personal grown and development.
- Do or teach things you enjoy with someone who shares your interests.
- Fill a void in a child's life
