CATCH MENTOR PROGRAM

Mentor: "The reason why I became a mentor is because when I had difficult times in my life, I wish I had a mentor.  It is a way for me to give back to someone else."

Participant: "It has relieved some of the stress in my life to be able to talk with someone else - to have a friend who has similar interests outside of my family and small circle of friends."

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

 

A.     CATCH Advisory Committee/Board

    1. Read, discuss and contribute recommendations and goals to the MENTOR program coordinator.
    2. Participate in evaluation activities that measure effectiveness of the program activities in reaching its goals.
    3. Assist in building mutual support to promote the goals and mission of CATCH and the mentor program.

 

B.     CATCH Mentor Coordinator

    1. Establish goals for the program and supervise their implementation.
    2. Provide training and supervision of volunteers providing program services. 
    3. Responsible for screening and evaluation of volunteer mentors and the overall program.
    4. Recruit volunteers from faith communities and other community groups.
    5. Effectively communicate with the community and the CATCH Board.
    6. Develop budget, keep track of expenditures, and conduct fundraising activities to support CATCH and the mentor program.
    7. Improve and develop professional potential.

 

C.     Dakota County Social Services

    1. Responsible for the identification and recruitment of participants in need of mentor services.
    2. Assist in developing goals for the program as relates to the participants and their needs.
    3. Assure that the participants are not a danger to themselves or to others.
    4. Effectively communicate with the CATCH Mentor Coordinator and aid in evaluation of the program.

 

D.    Volunteer Mentors

    1. Attend mentor training and orientation.
    2. Commit to one face-to-face contact per month at a minimum and weekly communication via phone call or note.
    3. Assist participant with community resources.
    4. Share family strengths and talents.  Be supportive and respectful.
    5. Model appropriate behavior and boundaries.
    6. Provide no money or shelter to participants.  Ask for help.
    7. Effectively communicate with CATCH Mentor Coordinator any changes in participant’s situation or if a crisis arises.
    8. Assist in evaluation of the program.

  

E.     Participants

    1. Agree to a minimum of one face-to-face contact per month and a phone call or note weekly with the volunteer mentor.
    2. Meet with case manager as needed.
    3. Meet other goals or requirements as agreed to in writing at the beginning of the match.
    4. Follow through on commitments made to the volunteer mentor.
    5. Assist in evaluation of the program.
    6. Agree to no exchange of money.

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