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What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee. A mentor is an adult who, along with parents, provides a young person with support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example. Mentors are good listeners, people who care and people who want to help young people bring out strengths that they already possess.
Mentoring can help by:
• Improving young people’s attitudes towards their parents, peers and teachers
• Encouraging students to stay motivated and focused on their education
• Providing a positive way for young people to spend free time
• Helping young people face daily challenges
• Offering young people opportunities to consider new career paths and get much-needed economic skills and knowledge
Who are Men of Vision?
Men of Vision
are a group of men who serve as male mentors to young men. These
men of character are trained to be placed in the lives of young
men as positive influences. Too many African-American boys throughout
the county are at risk of dropping out of school, getting involved
in drugs and going in the wrong direction. Statistics show that
young black boys are more likely to complete high school while
in prison, rather than go to college. Many young people are
coming from homes where there is an absence of a positive father
or male role model for any number of reasons. Male mentors will
help to bridge this gap. Having a positive Man of Vision who
can guide them and help them make positive choices will change
their lives, give them personal vision for their own lives and
make our communities stronger.
Who are Women of Excellence?
 Women of Excellence are a group of women who serve as mentors to young women. These women of character are trained to be placed in the lives of young girls to serve as positive influences. Many young people are coming from homes where there is not only the absence of a father, but also a mother. These young women do not have positive women in their lives who can teach them how to respect themselves, how to dress appropriately or teach them the fact that sex does not equal love. Women of Excellence assist young women in becoming a Woman of Excellence by being a portrait of a respectable woman, while helping them to develop the life skills they need to be successful.
Mentored Youth Are:
• 46% less likely to get involved with drugs
• 27% less likely to begin using alcohol
• 59% more likely to make better grades
• 73% more likely to raise their goals
**Each Mentor is asked to commit to at-least one year worth of mentoring and meet with their mentee at least twice a month.
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