I. What Is the One on One Mentoring Program?
- One on One Mentoring Program designed to empower youth through example.
- Program (Mentor/Mentee Matches) Lasts One Full Calendar Year
- Mentors guide their mentees to develop a Life Plan; which are six month and year goals under the following categories: Home, Health, Education, Career and Personal Development.
- Mentors spend quality time with their mentee exposing them to new facets of life.
II. Do I Qualify To Be A Mentor?
- Mentors must have succeeded in the 5 achievement areas. Home Health, Education, Career and Personal Development
- Mentors must have knowledge of youth and GLBTQ issues.
- Mentors must be great communicators and have a willingness to share their life experiences.
- Mentors must commit to have face to face contact with the youth a minimum of twice a month.
- Mentors must be friendly, approachable, accomplished, have great listening skills, and eager to assist.
- Mentors must be willing to adhere to all rules set forth by LifeWorks regarding this program.
III. What Is The Process To Become Mentor?
- Complete The LifeWorks Mentor Application Online:
You may fill out this short application online by clicking here.
- 1:1 Interview with the Mentoring Coordinator:
The purpose of this very relaxed meeting, which is located at The Village (1125 N. McCadden Place), is to learn more about you and to give you more information about the center and the many different youth services we offer.
- Mentor Training:
If you are selected, then you will be scheduled for our mentor training program. Typically, mentor trainings are offered four times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) and take place on two consecutive Saturdays from 9am-4pm.
- Mentor Background and Reference Check:
LifeWorks require all Mentors to complete a LiveScan background check to ensure that there is no serious criminal activity or other offenses that make you a risk to our organization or our youth.
- Mentor/ Mentee Match:
Once you are trained and cleared you are available to be matched. When a Mentee joins our program who we think would be a good match for you we will contact you to set up a meeting. LifeWorks staff is present to introduce you for the first meeting.
- CFC: Contact-Feedback-Closure:
- C: After the initial match you will begin to meet with your mentee monthly to spend quality time, set boundaries and expectations while assisting them with their LifePlan.
- F: The Mentoring Coordinator will call monthly to gauge the relationship, track progress and to determine if both the Mentor and Mentee are growing and feeling empowered from this experience. This is a time to ask questions, get referrals and ideas, solve problems, and discuss anything that is on your mind.
- C: At the end of the 12 months of the program the Mentoring Coordinator will contact the Mentor and Mentee to discuss the previous year and whether you would like to continue the Mentoring Relationship or not
IV. Frequently Asked Questions about the Mentoring Program?
- Q: What if I can’t make the training, is that okay?
- A: To become a mentor, you have to complete both training sessions.
- Q: Where do the youth come from?
- A: Our youth come from all over Los Angeles County.
- Q: How do I know my mentee really wants a mentor?
- A: Your mentee has signed up for a mentor on their own.
- Q: What type of activities can I do with my youth?
- A: Whatever activities hold interest for both of you. Some activities include theatre, sports games, museums, LifeWorks activities and more.
- Q: If I have to miss a meeting with my mentee, will I be kicked out of the program?
- A: No, but it is important to model the behavior you expect from your mentee.
- Q: What if my mentee tells me something that is troubling, what do I do?
- A: You must contact the mentoring coordinator as soon as possible. Exact procedures are covered in training.
- Q: What if my mentee and I aren’t getting along, do we have to stay matched?
- A: No. Matches are based on mutual compatibility. You can be re-matched with another mentee if the situation warrants.
