Mentors Wanted!

Mentors Make a Difference in a Teen’s LifeA Valuable and Rewarding Experience“Mentoring from my sponsor has been one of the most amazing things that has happened to me and something that I am truly grateful for. She is a very comprehensive, caring and wise person. I am grateful for having her as a mentor since she has been listening the journey that has been my transition from high school to college, she has taught me a lot with her letters and given me good advice on how to handle different things. I truly admire the kind person that she is and she has inspired me to, hopefully, one day become a mentor for someone else as well.”  Ana, Class of 2016You too can become a mentor and make a difference in the life of an A Bridge For Kids teen. Mentors act as a resource for our teens by offering support, encouragement, and advice as each teen navigates his/her journey through high school and into college.  Mentoring a teen requires very little time, as little as a few minutes a month, as the communication is all done through email conversations.Communications With TeenWhile teens are required to communicate via email with their sponsor/mentor at least once every three months, communications are often more frequent, depending on both the teen and the adult. Once the teen is notified that he/she has been sponsored, he/she will initiate communication in the form of a thank you note. All communications between mentors and teens are made via email and are sent through our organization at mail@abridgeforkids.org. Emails are sent on to the recipient within 24 hours of receipt. Last names and personal emails addresses are not provided by A Bridge For Kids.Teens usually share information about their lives, in and out of school. Mentors can share any information that makes them comfortable as well. Mentors can provide insight and experiences that they feel may benefit the teen regarding their academic, athletic and artistic programs and goals.Should the relationship between the teen and mentor develop to the point that they want to meet, a waiver from A Bridge For Kids must be signed by the teen’s parent or guardian. When a waiver has been signed, mentors can attend teen’s sports events, recitals/plays, school events, etc.Mentorship has few limitations. For example, mentors have:

• Helped teens decide on purchases (i.e. assess the best product/class, find the best price).
• Discussed choices for college applications.
• Reviewed college and scholarship essays.
• Discussed academic, athletic and/or artistic goals and ambitions.
• Become a trusted friend!

Some teens do not have involved parents and can benefit greatly from the support and guidance of an interested adult. A mentor has the opportunity to provide support and help the teen navigate their journey through high school and into college.Thank you for considering becoming a mentor for a deserving teen. Should you decide that you would like to mentor a teen, please contact A Bridge For Kids at info@abridgeforkids.org and let us know you are interested in making a difference in the life of a young adult.  We would be happy to answer any questions you might have at that time.