Position: Mentor a refugee youth in middle or high school
Purpose: To act as a role model, advocate and support for refugee youth
Duties
· Commitment to building a supportive relationship with a refugee youth
· Attends and actively participates in mentor orientation and 6 hours of pre-match training
· Meets in person with mentee at least once a week (minimum 4 hours a month)
· Works with mentee to meet the goals outlined in the Mentee Service Plan
· Submits volunteer hours weekly
· Has regular contact and follow-up with Mentor Coordinator
· Provides community and educational support to mentee
Qualifications
· Ability to empathize and understand young people from different cultural backgrounds
· Nonjudgmental, with ability to take a developmental approach to working with a young person
· Sincere desire to be a supportive figure in the life of a refugee youth
· Active listening skills
· Adaptability and flexibility
Program Requirements:
· Must be at least 18 years old
· Fill out Volunteer Application that includes a background check + references
· Complete 6 hours of pre-match training that focuses on trauma informed mentoring
· Commit to a 1-year mentorship
· Keep an open line of communication between you, Catholic Charities and family
Length of commitment: Mentor must commit to at least a one-year relationship
Benefits:
· Exposure to new cultures
· Will receive orientation, training and ongoing support from program that includes: an overview of assets and strengths of refugee youth, challenges faced by refugee youth, a resource manual with activity suggestions and strategies to develop a close bond with their mentee
· Opportunity to have fun, develop new appreciation for diversity, and make a difference in the life of a refugee youth
Catholic Charities encourages everyone to join us in serving our community regardless of their religion, race, color, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, disability, or marital status. Catholic Charities’ volunteers serve the community without a religious or political agenda.
