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Goals of the Program

In line with our mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens, we are introducing a mentoring program where volunteers will establish a mentoring relationship directly with a young person at Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield!

Working with one or more youths in our Clubs to give members personal attention and guidance will open new doors of hope and opportunity! Mentoring allows youth to have a stable and positive relationship with an adult they might not feel they have otherwise.

Through this program, you can help us fill significant gaps in members' education and emotional wellness, helping to guide them to great futures!

How the Mentoring Program Works

Direct Involvement

Qualified, adult volunteers— mentors— and youth members in our clubs— mentees— will be matched in either a group or one-on-one mentoring relationship, based on our matching criteria.

Accurate Matching

Our matching criteria takes important elements into consideration like similar backgrounds, the needs and strengths of the youth, and the skills and strengths of the adult, as well as many other factors.

Growing Together

Mentoring matches will grow together as they participate in fun and engaging activities that help establish trust and benefit the youth's development. Mentoring matches will also have opportunities to participate in periodic mentoring events that may open up new horizons.

Program Activities Offered

Meal-Time Buddy

Mentors share a meal with their mentee(s). Mentors are encouraged to lead open-ended discussions with their mentee(s) to get to know them and establish possible interests.

Reading Buddy

Mentors may read a book with your mentee(s), based on that month's book theme. They may lead a discussion regarding the topic of the story read and allow them to talk and relate to the book. The matches might also choose for the mentee to read the book to the mentor.

Triple Play Buddy

Mentors will be able to engage in games that help support daily physical activities, good nutrition, and developing healthy relationships.

Expectations:

Commitment Details


Mentoring matches devote an average of 6 hours every month to the program.

Mentors have focused contacts with their Mentee 3-4 times over the course of 9 months.

  1. Screening - Application submission, interview, background check, reference check (fingerprints also required for participation at school locations)
  2. Orientation & Safety Training - Attend an introductory 1-hour orientation and complete the required online safety training that can be done on your own time
  3. Ongoing Support - Receive additional training and support as needed

Guidelines:

Becoming a Mentor


We require all potential mentors to look over our mentor's position description as well as our code of conduct.

These documents will explain the expectations and qualifications to become a mentor with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, along with a rundown of rules that must be followed for the best interests of yourself, BGCS, and most importantly, the youth we are helping.

Apply to be a Mentor Today!


Apply:

Contact Us!

Ashley McLaughlin, Programs Assistant & Mentoring Coordinator

(417) 862-9249 x119

amclaughlin@bgclubspringfield.org

Your Time is a Valuable Gift!

Sponsors

We are thankful for our sponsors!