MENTORING PROGRAM
Supporting individuals along their journey through reentry
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Become a HOPE Mentor!
What does it take to become a member of the HOPE Mentor Team?
The Foundation of HOPE’s Mentoring Program matches individuals incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail (and formerly incarcerated individuals) with mentors who can support them on a one-to-one basis. Mentors are expected to foster a professional relationship with their mentees by visiting them one to two times each month at the Allegheny County Jail and commit to the program for at least six months.
Upon release, a mentor continues to meet with their mentee to provide support during their transition back into the community. Mentors work collaboratively with their mentee to develop goals, address practical needs, and walk alongside of their mentee during their journey.
Building Relationships Takes Time and Requires Commitment
A successful mentor is someone who can focus on the needs of their mentee and develop a relationship of trust and respect by being consistently present, supportive, and encouraging. The long-term objective is to empower our mentees to be successful in reentry by offering them steady guidance and support.
HOPE provides training and materials to equip mentors to be successful in this work. Regular mentor meetings provide an opportunity for our team of mentors to reflect on mentoring experiences, learn from one another, and grow in understanding of topics such as criminal and addictive thinking patterns and healthy boundaries.
Building relationships takes time and requires commitment from both mentors and mentees. We ask each mentor to remember that they are making a pledge to an individual who will be counting on them to show up.
A Mentor is Expected to:
- Be present and supportive in a way that builds trust
- Commit to building and maintaining a relationship with their mentee
- Be at least 21 years of age
- Attend all required training
- Complete jail clearance paperwork
- Commit to the Mentor Program for at least one year
- Meet with mentee at least twice a month
- Complete all required reports
- Upon mentee’s release, continue meeting in the community
Filling Out an Application is the First Step in Becoming a Mentor.
If you have the desire to assist another in overcoming personal barriers and creating space for transformation and would like to learn more about serving as a Foundation of HOPE mentor, please contact Barb Kralik, Mentor Coordinator.
Mentor Communication Reporting
Aftercare Program Mentors are required to complete on-line communication reports. Please click below to complete and submit the form.