Children's Mentoring Connection

Interested in Volunteering?

Children‘s Mentoring Connection‘s success depends on the life-changing relationships built through the involvement of our volunteers. Volunteers work closely with a case manager to provide mentoring resources necessary to help guide a child, 6-14 years old, toward becoming a competent, caring and confident individual.

It’s easy to be a mentor!

It's as simple as walking in the park, watching a movie, taking a bike ride, baking cookies, or talking on the phone. It's helping with homework, playing a game, or just chatting about your day.

Mentoring Programs

Children’s Mentoring Connection offers many mentoring options designed to meet varying volunteer needs.. Mentors are encouraged to meet 2-3 times a month

Traditional Mentoring: A volunteer is matched in a one-on-one mentoring relationship with a child.
Family Mentoring: All members of a family are active volunteers and are matched with a child
2-2-1 Buddies: Two volunteers share the time and responsibility of being matched with a child.
School-based Mentoring: Volunteers are matched with a child or small group of children within the structure of the school-based program
Couple Mentoring: The couple works together and individually with the child depending on the activity.

PALS Programs

PALS: A volunteer engages in activities with youth from our waiting list. PALS are encouraged to volunteer one time per month.
Group PALS: Business, church, civic, social, and community groups work with small groups of youth from our waiting list.

Volunteer Requirements

Traditional, Couple, Family and 2-1-1 Buddies Mentoring:

Live or work in Hancock County
18 years or older with valid drivers license
Initial six-month commitment
Average 2-3 visits per month
Display maturity
Able to relate and communicate
Be consistent

School-Based Mentoring

High-School Student or older
Live or work in Hancock County
Academic year commitment – 28 sessions through academic year
Display maturity
Able to relate and communicate
Be consistent

Volunteer Responsibilities

Be a positive role model
Maintain consistent contact with the child, parent/caregiver and case worker
Follow safety regulations and update driving information annually

Steps to Become a Mentor

Complete Volunteer Inquiry Form (below) to receive application.
Return application
Background & reference checks
Office and Home interviews
Individual volunteer education/ training

“It is a very rewarding experience and a great way to make a difference in a young child‘s life. It is also a unique opportunity to contribute your time and effort to a great cause and give back to our community.

Being a CMC mentor has been everything I expected and more. As a big brother, I have learned firsthand the difference that a mentor can make not only in someone else’s life, but also my own.” Kevin, Mentor

Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

What is my time commitment?

Volunteers must be able to initially commit to a six-month match, with the opportunity to extend beyond this if they would like to. It is expected that a mentor visits with his or her mentee 2-3 times per month. This can include simple outings like a trip to the park or time spent working on homework.

What type of child will I be matched with?

As a volunteer mentor, you will be matched with a child 6-14 years old. Your case managers will learn about you through the application process to match you with a child with similar interests.

What type of background check do I need?

After completing the application process, you will be required to have a criminal and driving background check. A Children’s Mentoring Connection case manager will check your references and conduct the criminal and driving background check.

Do I need any special experience, education, or training?

The agency will provide you with one-on-one education/training so that you are prepared to be a mentor. In addition, the case manager is available to discuss any concerns. Mentors come from all walks of life and do not need any special degree. Being a mentor requires a sense of caring, commitment and the ability to relate to a child all while being a consistent role model in his or her life.

How much support do I receive from the agency?

You will be assigned a case manager who will work with you throughout the match. The case manager will be there to guide and support you in your match relationship.