Youth Connections

Make a Difference; Be a Mentor! What is the Jumpstart Mentoring Program? A voluntary program dedicated to providing sustainable, one-on-one and group mentoring relationships for at-risk youth in Johnson County. The mentoring program uses trained adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person. How much time is required?? A mentoring relationship occurs regularly lasting one year. This allows for time to develop a consistent and healthy relationship. Mentors in both the one-on-one and group mentoring setting typically spend about one hour per week with their mentee(s). What does a mentor do? Most of us, as successful adults, already possess the skills to be an effective mentor. Sharing everyday activities such as: playing a game, enjoying a pizza or just talking. What matters is the time the mentors spend with the youth, giving them attention and establishing their one-on-one relationship. And most importantly, having fun! Mentors can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals. Group mentors use these same principles, but in a team setting. Mentors in groups of 2 or 3 meet a group of mentees after school in the gymnasium or cafeteria. During this time the mentors facilitate activities structured by the Jumpstart Mentoring Staff. Mentors work towards building mentoring relationships with multiple youth while providing them with an opportunity to grow as leaders, team players, and effective communicators. Participation Requirements: ?Be at least 18 years old ?Be willing to complete the application and screening process ?Commit to meeting the youth regularly for one year ?Have access to an automobile and possess auto insurance with a good driving record ?Have a clean criminal history Application and Screening Process: ?Written application with three personal references ?Driving record check ?Criminal history check, state, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry Personal interview ?Attend mentor training session

What is the Host Homes Program? The Host Home program provides an opportunity for caring families to offer temporary emergency shelter care for children between the ages of 7 to 17. What makes Host Homes unique is that placement is voluntary on the part of the parent(s), the child, and the Host Home family. In this program the youth stays with Host Homes the family for 1 to 14 days. When do Youth and Families Seek Host Homes? A Host Home family voluntarily takes in a child in crisis when the child cannot remain at home or be placed with other family or friends. This temporary placement in the Host Homes program provides families with time to resolve conflicts and problems. When do Youth and Families Seek Host Homes? A family who is willing to open its doors and heart to a youth in need. The family must be able to insure that the youth will be safe, warm and fed while staying at the Host Home. A Host Home family must also be willing to provide guidance and a listening ear to the youth but must not attempt to counsel the youth. What are the Requirements to be a Host Home? Complete an application including a criminal check and three references. Complete Information forms required by Host Homes of Indiana. Complete a short evaluation concerning each youth who stays with the family. Have the ability to host 1 to 3 youths in a 12 month period. Must be willing to work with the Host Homes Staff.

What is Project Safe Place? Safe Place is a national program that helps young people who are having trouble and are in need of somewhere to turn. With the aid of local businesses, volunteers, and youth agencies, Safe Place is able to meet the needs of these young people whenever and wherever needed. A Safe Place representative is always available through a 24 hour help line. 1.866.738.KIDS (5437). Companies, Organizations, businesses can volunteer to become a Safe Place by contacting Youth Connections at 738-3273.