Program Details

Portland Impact Mentoring

Contact Information

Web: www.portlandimpact.org/mentoring

Coordinator: Jed Lazar
Voice: 503-988-6127 x233
Email: jlazar@portlandimpact.org

Program Description

How can you help end the cycle of poverty? Become a mentor for Portland Impact Mentoring. Our program is aimed at giving school aged youth affected by poverty the chance for a brighter future. Through one-on-one relationships, volunteers help these youth build life skills, set goals, find ways to succeed in school and explore options as they prepare for high school and beyond. Mentors are matched with elementary or middle school aged youth and focus on weekly, school-based activities (games, sports, reading, and/or arts & crafts) that help build self-esteem and trust. As the relationship develops, the mentor helps the mentee set goals and gives support in achieving them. Mentors and youth also have the opportunity to participate in agency sponsored group outings and community involvement projects. Mentors are asked to commit to a minimum of 12 months and are encouraged to continue longer if possible.

Population Served

Students who attend school in targeted areas of NE & SE Portland. Portland Impact collaborates with the following schools to implement the program: Buckman, Grout, Kelly, Marysville, Whitman, and Woodmere Elementary and Hosford and Lane Middle Schools in SE; Rigler & Sabin Elementary Schools in NE Portland.

Goals and Objectives

1. Increase school success 2. Increase self-esteem 3. Improve peer and adult relationships

Ages Served

5 to 13

Types of Mentoring

• One-on-One

Type of Mentoring Program

• School-based
• Other: Opportunities to participate in group activities including community service and recreation

Mentor Profile

Must be at least 16 years of age, have the ability to meet with mentee between the hours of 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM or during the lunch hour, and be willing to commit to a minimum of 12 months. Mentors and youth also participate in a minimum of two community service projects over a 12 month period.

Hours Needed

• Afternoon: Noon to 3 pm
• After School: 3 pm to 5 pm
• Evenings: 5 pm to 9 pm
• Weekend

Locations Served

• Portland