Our mentors provide guidance and encouragement to their mentee so that she will develop the life skills she needs for interdependent living.

 

The purpose of the mentor program is . . .

To connect the residents with members of the community. These connections will become a support system to help young women grow and sustain them both now and into the future. In the future, we seek to connect each of

our residents with mentors. This principle is based upon the scripture reference of "three strands" in Ecclesiastes 4:12, in which it reads: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

 

In the future, our mentor teams - or strands - are a strong force in helping their mentee accomplish career and educational goals, learn and develop necessary life skills, and live interdependently upon transition from Safe Pastures. More importantly, these relationships are a place where these women will find genuine acceptance, encouragement to grow beyond their circumstances, and strength to sustain them both now and in the future. After all, once a resident transitions out of Safe Pastures, her three mentors "go with her" and continue as a much-needed support system for her.

 

The mentors provide guidance and encouragement to their mentee so that she will develop the life skills she needs for interdependent living.

 

EXPECTATIONS

• Commit to meet with the young woman regularly

• Establish trust and maintain confidentiality

• Provide guidance and encouragement

• Identify learning opportunities for the mentee

• Expose her to new ideas

• Provide helpful resources

• Share personal experiences and perspective

 

SUPPORT

• Each mentor provides support for one another

• Monthly mentor training

• Resources and materials available for personal enrichment

• Open communication with staff about both mentor & mentee need

 

To the social workers, advocates, church family, and caring neighbors . . . THANK YOU for standing in the gap for a young woman that you care about!

 

Many individuals and couples in our community have been where you are. We know you want to provide support for a woman in need of a solid foundation in her life, but you are not in a place or position to provide this support yourself. The need is easy to see.  Finding a solution is harder. There is an alternative for her future that does not mean returning to the streets.

 

Here at Safe Pastures, we offer a better option and a brighter future. There are a few things you should keep in mind, however, as you talk with the woman you care about regarding this option. These include the following:

• Some women may need help accessing forms for the application process.

• Applicants need to be self-motivated and, as such, should personally complete the required application(s). Please do not fill the application out for her.

• Taking those first steps through the doors of Safe Pastures can be a little nerve-wracking. We often have support persons accompany their applicant to the tour and interview appointment.

• We believe in the values of both teamwork and confidentiality and have to balance these things in the application process.