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FAQs ABOUT MENTORING

Our Information Sessions let you discuss your questions and learn things like:

WHAT IS A MENTOR?
A mentor is an adult friend to a child who needs one.  A mentor is not a parent, a tutor, or a boss. 

WHAT KIND OF DIFFERENCE WILL I MAKE?
A big difference. Youth with mentors are 54% less likely to skip school, 46% less likely to abuse drugs, are less prone to violence and form stronger positive relationships.

WHAT KINDS OF YOUTH NEED MENTORS?
Children from ages six to sixteen, from a wide variety of backgrounds need and want a friend - a mentor.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO BECOMING A MENTOR?
We invite you to attend one of our regularly scheduled information sessions to learn more and see
what type of young friend you would most enjoy, or call (585) 271-0450 to talk!

We also encourage you to attend one of our Expo events to meet representatives from many of the agencies who have youth mentoring programs. Expos are held four times a year.  Learn more

HOW MUCH TIME WILL THIS TAKE?
A few hours a month.  We ask you to make a commitment to see your young friend two or three times a month, for at least one year.

HOW WILL I BE "MATCHED UP" TO A YOUNG FRIEND?
There are several area not for profits with mentoring programs. A match coordinator will help you choose from among their list of eligible youth.

HOW LONG DO MENTOR RELATIONSHIPS LAST?
A mentoring friendship should last one year or more for the benefit of the child. Effort is made at the end of the relationship to form the basis of a fond memories and a friendship for the future.

WHAT IF I ONLY WANT TO VOLUNTEER SHORT-TERM?
We have options. Please call us at (585) 271-4050 to find out more.

WHAT IS THE BOOMER MENTOR INITIATIVE?
The Boomer Mentor Initiative is an effort to recruit older adults who want to use their time to make a real difference in the world. Many find that youth mentoring is an enormously satisfying experience for both the youth, and the volunteer.  The program is affiliated with Lifespan, an expert in matching older adult volunteers to rewarding volunteer experiences.

HOW DOES ROCHESTER MENTORS FIT INTO THIS PICTURE?
Rochester Mentors is an alliance of youth mentoring programs, and their supporting partners including Monroe County, the City of Rochester and area school districts.  We help prospective mentors learn more, support the efforts of current mentors, and provide networking opportunities to support mentors and others who care about youth.

DO THESE PROGRAMS HAVE STANDARDS FOR OPERATION?
YES... YES... YES... CLICK HERE to learn about those now.  

Want to learn more about becoming a mentor? Attend one of our upcoming information sessions. LEARN MORE

     * In June 2011, our Program Partners reported a 22% increase in the number of Rochester City School District students they reach
with a mentor versus June 2010. These numbers are reported to the RCSD through Rochester Mentors.

Rochester Mentors is a partner in the Boomer Mentors initiative - a program of Lifespan of Greater Rochester
in partnership with Rochester Area Community Foundation.
Rochester Mentors is not yet a 501(c)3 entity.