THE SAN JUAN ISLAND MENTORING PROGRAM
SAN JUAN ISLAND FAMILY RESOURCE
CENTER
476 Market Street
P.O.
Box 1981
Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
telephone
360-378-5246
FAX 360-378-5256
When you were a child was there someone who encouraged you
and showed you the ropes?
Luke Skywalker
mentored by Obi-Wan Kenobi
Helen Keller mentored by Anne Sullivan
Bob Dylan mentored by Woody Guthrie
Denzel Washington mentored by Sydney Poitier
Harry Potter mentored by Professor Dumbledore
Oprah Winfrey mentored by Mrs. Duncan (4th grade teacher)
Program Description
The goal of our program is to improve community relations on San Juan Island by helping develop relationships based on mutual respect between community youth and caring adults. These adult "mentors" will model successful and appropriate adult behavior for young people, and together adult and child will enjoy and enrich each others lives by exploring common goals and interests.
Matched mentors and youth will achieve these goals through spending time together in mutually agreed upon activities that are of interest to the youth, at least one hour a week for a minimum of one year. Click here to see a list of some possible activities.
The program will support youth and mentors through training, consultation, and on-going activities.
We currently have about 30 pairs of adult mentors and children between 7 and 15 years old. The first matches were made in autumn 2001; new matching continues as additional mentors become available.
The program is made possible with funds from the San Juan County Community Network, the San Juan Island Family Resource Center, and generous donations from caring island citizens.
What is a Mentor?
A Mentor
is a mature and experienced person who interacts with a younger
person, encouraging active involvement in self-discovery and improvement.
A mentor provides support, guidance and a positive perspective on life.
Mentors provide young people with someone who:
- Cares about them
- Helps them put problems in perspective
- Helps them define long and short term goals
- Encourages them to think positively about themselves
- Listens without judgment
- Supports their interests
- Encourages academic achievement
Why Be a Mentor?
- Young people with mentors are more likely to stay in school and aspire to better grades
- They are 46% less likely to use drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking
- 73% of mentees said that their mentors helped them raise their goals
- It is a life-changing experience for the young person and the mentor as well
- It is a community service and it will better your life and it's fun
Benefits of Being a Mentor
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life, that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Most mentors experience a gratifying sense of personal satisfaction from relationships with their mentees. Among the benefits they attest to are:
- Satisfaction from being useful to someone else
- Enjoyment of a relationship with a young person
- Improved listening and communication skills
- Better understanding of a younger generation and problems they face
- Personal growth through relating across economic, social, cultural, and personal differences
- Satisfaction from contributing to the future strength of society by investing in its youth
Benefits to Parents
Parents play a crucial role in the success of the mentoring relationship. By enrolling a child in mentoring, parents show their understanding of the importance of community involvement in the success of young people.
Mentoring offers youth more opportunities and different viewpoints. It provides another adult in a child's life to convey good values and fill gaps in learning. Parents can make new contacts through the program as well!
Are You Mentor Material?
- Are you a good listener?
- Can you make a one-year commitment?
- Do you relate well with individuals with different viewpoints from your own?
- Do you relate well with kids?
How to Get Started
If you are interested in being a mentor in the San Juan Island Mentoring Program, contact Gail Leschine or Margaret Johnson at The San Juan Island Family Resource Center at 378-5246.
We will provide you with an application package and tell you about the on-going mentoring training and support process.
We will look for a match for your particular interests and help you get started on your mentoring journey.
Thank you for your commitment to youth in our community.
Homepage for the San Juan Island Family Resource Center
Prenatal to 3 Years Program | On-Going Activities
Readiness to Learn Program | SJI Mentoring Program
This site created and maintained by Claudia Mills
Established May 2003, last updated 10 August 2006
Make a difference...
be a Mentor.