We are seeking individuals interested in serving as therapeutic mentors to children in foster care. Mentors work one-on-one with a child to share interests and skills, build long term relationships and be a positive support for a child. The therapeutic mentors program offers a foster parent/caregiver the opportunity for a break from the daily responsibilities of caring for a child while the mentor engages their mentee in the foster home or community for up to 16 hours a month. Mentoring services are provided to individual children and focus on skill development and/or recreational activities to address the child’s individual goals.
A mentor will be paired with one child, between the ages of 4 and 18, to provide services after school or on weekends, and will receive a stipend of $17/hour plus a limited monthly activity budget.
Requirements include:
- Previous experience working with children with special needs
- 21 years of age or older.
- Valid Illinois driver’s license.
- Access to a reliable automobile and current auto insurance.
- Patience, flexibility, energy, punctuality, organization and sensitivity to children’s needs.
- Ability to commit to a consistent weekly time to mentor a child for at least a year.
Contact: Nancy Silver, Foster Care Support Specialist via email nsilver@www.hephzibahhome.org