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| Mentor A Youth |
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Every year in Orange County, CA almost 300 foster care teens turn 18 and are released from the foster care system to find their way in the world--without the benefit of a loving family to guide and support them. They can easily become homeless, unemployed, involved in destructive relationships or worse. The Orangewood Children's Foundation Mentor Program works to make a difference in these young people's lives by filling a need that has been sadly lacking for many - a caring, stable adult who encourages their pursuit of a better life. Orangewood's Mentor Program matches qualified adult mentors with Orange County foster care youth. Mentors support and encourage these young people through critical periods in their lives - while in high school, college or trade school, or as they transition out of the foster care system into a life of their own. We are seeking mentors to actively participate with the increasing number of foster youth in our programs. Our goal is to be able to provide a mentor for every foster youth who desires to be mentored. Are you willing to make a difference in the life of a young person? Check out one of our mentoring programs today. |
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Mentoring Opportunities: We are in need of committed and supportive mentors in the following programs: M-Power: This program is designed to expose foster youth to an experience with a healthy adult, allowing the child to begin to see life’s possibilities. M-Power encourages the youth and the mentor to spend a minimum of 10 hours per month together, trying out new experiences or enjoying familiar ones- riding bikes, going to the library, seeing a play, or making dinner together. M-Power youth are generally younger students, grades K-8. Bridges to Higher Education: This program is designed to increase the number of foster youth who graduate from high school and decide to pursue higher education. Bridges encourages high school success and supports students with workshops on college preparation, educational fieldtrips and mentoring relationships. Bridges youth are high school students’ grades 9-12, and have the option to stay in the program even after graduating from high school. Transitions: Most of the youth in this range are receiving financial, personal or academic assistance from one of the many programs available at Orangewood; they may be current or former foster youth attending community college, trade school, or university, living in Rising Tide (our transitional housing program), or working with an Independent Living Coach to prepare for successful adulthood. Mentors are provided on an elective basis to youth who desire extra support and advice about daily living, educational opportunities and career planning. Youth in this program are 16-25+ years old. |
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Mentor Requirements: To become an Orangewood Mentor, you must:
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Mentor Commitment: Our goal for our Mentor Program is to create meaningful mentoring relationships that enrich the lives of both individuals and increase the odds of future success for the young person. Our Mentor Coordinator will match you with a foster youth based on gender, common interests, location and other factors depending on the program you are interested in. As a mentor, you will generally meet with your youth once or twice a month, usually for coffee or a meal, for a total of 4-15 hours per month. At other times and depending on the program, you may attend cultural or academic events together, or help the youth with daily living activities such as completing a job application. Regular email and telephone contact is also encouraged. Some programs offer group activities for mentors and youth, such as workshops and holiday parties. As an Orangewood mentor, you are asked to make a commitment for one year. Think you might be interested? If so, please contact Sarah Whittenberg-Hawe, Program Support Services Supervisor, at swhittenberg@orangewoodfoundation.org or at (714) 619-0200 ext. 254. |
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