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FAQ
What is a mentor?
A mentor is a caring adult role model for a young person. They listen, encourage, guide, and provide emotional support and stability. A mentor helps a young person see opportunities beyond their situation and experiences that help them grow. They are not a parent, a peer, or a professional counselor.
What is the commitment to become a mentor?
SOY asks for a one year commitment from both the mentor and mentee. Ideally we would like you to have weekly contact with your mentee. If there is a week you can’t meet in person, a card or phone call can keep you connected.
Where do the youth come from?
Youth are referred to us from all over the Denver Metro area from parents, teachers and friends. However, most youth come to us on their own volition. When they see that their friends have a mentor, they want one, too. We only match youth who are motivated to make a positive change in their lives and who want a mentor.
How do you match me with a mentee?
After you have gone through our training and screening, you will have an intervie with a mentor supervisor. Your mentor supervisor will get to know you and determine the best match for you based on personality and interests.
What would I do with my mentee?
We encourage our mentors to include their mentee in activities they are already planning to do. Take them shopping, work on the car, or go on a picnic with your family. SOY also provides tickets through ART REACH for many special cultural events and places like the zoo. Click here for a list of suggested activities.
Does it cost a lot to be a mentor?
Your mentor supervisor will help you set boundaries if you find yourself wanting to spent a lot of money.
I’m kind of boring, quiet or whatever else you think wouldn’t make you a very good mentor.
We match based on personality and similar interests. Some of our quietest mentors have been the most effective because they are such great listeners! We say that there is the right mentor for every youth.
What if something comes up that I don’t know how to deal with?
You will have a Mentor Supervisor from SOY to assist you with your match for its duration. This person checks in with you regularly and lets you know about tickets and events. Mentor supervisors are available to talk about any problems that may come up. Staff members have backgrounds in counseling and social work, and are here to provide you with wisdom and resources to give you and your mentee the tools for success.