“Job” Description: A mentor is a concerned, accepting friend and adviser who meets with the mentee to provide support, encouragement, and accountability. A mentor, either individually or as part of a mentor group, typically meets with the mentee at a location in the community approximately once a week or at a minimum twice each month.
Mentees are people who have been released from a correctional facility, or are on probation or parole. Often, they have limited support systems. Upon release, each person is typically seeking housing, employment, transportation, and other basic needs. Adjustment to family responsibilities is always challenging. Family members of those in the corrections system may also be mentees.
In 2000, over 500,000 state prison inmates were released from prison and returned to neighborhoods. Nationally, 75% of men and women released from prison will be rearrested within 4 years. Aiding men and women coming out of prison in their search for solutions to problems they face is crucial to decreasing recidivism. CJC offers counseling and other services to mentees as well as staying in close contact with the mentors.
Volunteers are matched with same gender mentees. A meeting is held with the mentee and mentor at which time guidelines that promote healthy communication, boundaries, and expectations are discussed. Three evening trainings are provided on a quarterly basis that cover basic mentoring skills and also what is unique to mentoring ex-offenders.
Requirements: The primary qualification is a willingness to give time and experience to assist as a friend. A volunteer application with references and background check is required. Training is provided. Volunteers need to be at least 21 years old and either have their own transportation or access to the bus line.