CIS CC’s Mentoring Program helps children and youth from all over Chatham County who are referred to the mentoring program for many different reasons. Juvenile court counselors, school staff, mental health professionals, and parents all may refer children who could benefit from the time and attention of a caring adult mentor. Mentors help mentees build socio-emotional skills and confidence for success in school and life. This is achieved with friendship, social support, and enrichment activities provided by a positive and consistent adult role model. Mentors can also help young people by assuring them that they are not alone, modeling positive responses to daily challenges, and building their personal sense of self-worth. We match referred children one-on-one with a qualified adult volunteer who meets with the mentee an average of four hours per month for a year. Mentors are trained, screened, and supervised by our experienced Mentoring Program Manager. Youth receive ongoing, individualized case management. Parents/guardians are regularly engaged and family support for basic needs is offered via referral to other providers.
Mentees are referred from a variety of sources, including Chatham County Schools (CSS), mental health professionals, the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), and by parents and family members.
Requirements for becoming a mentor:
- Must be at least 18 years of age and have a driver’s license
- Must complete a Volunteer Application and provide 4 references
- Pass a criminal/driving background check
- Attend one 3 hour in-person training session
- Complete a free online Child Maltreatment Training course
- Participate in an in-home interview conducted by a CIS CC staff member.
The matching adult (outside of the youth’s family) will spend 1-4 hours a week, one-on-one, with their mentee. Each individual mentee possesses a variety of needs, skills, and interests in addition to residing in Chatham County.
Our selection process:
A screening committee, made up of three CIS CC volunteers, reviews an applicant’s file and makes the recommendation for approval of the applicant.
Once accepted, staff and volunteer work together to find a suitable match. Parents and youth are contacted for their input, then, if all parties are in agreement, CIS CC staff brings the volunteer to the young person’s home for an introduction and to discuss the agreement between mentor, mentee, family, and CIS CC.
Volunteer, youth, and family agree to meet for an average number of hours per week, for one year. CIS CC staff provide supervision, support and activities during the relationship. At the end of the year, if all parties agree to continue the match, it will continue.
Anyone can refer a young person. Download our Youth Referral Form today!