Mentors

FACTS:
Nationwide research shows that a young person who meets with a mentor on a regular basis is:

• 52% less likely to skip school,
• 27% less likely to begin drinking alcohol
• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs

Research also shows that:

• 80% of first graders feel good about who they are
• 20% of sixth graders feel good about themselves
• 5% feel good about themselves by the end of high school

As an adult how often have you said, “If only someone had told me…”
You can be that someone!

• Do you like teens?
• Do you have a good sense of humor?
• Are you patient, tolerable, confident and reliable?
• Are you committed and non-judgemental?
• Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life?

As a Take Stock in Children mentor you:

• Meet once weekly for approximately 45 minutes at his/her school
• Become a friend, motivator, tutor, and a role model
• Help build a child’s foundation of basic values
• Assist your student with setting goals and attaining them
• Guide a child towards education and knowing the value of having a productive life
• Give a child a hope for the future and the knowledge that someone really cares

“ If someone as important as YOU is coming to spend time with me, I MUST be important too”
Here’s what our students say about their mentors:

What can I do to help?

By donating an average of one hour per week, a mentor can change a child's life. Through weekly personal meetings on school premises with a child in the Take Stock program, you will help that child build a foundation of basic values and challenge them to take responsibility for their actions. You will help set their goals and stress the importance of getting a good education. By building their self-worth and showing them that someone cares, students will have a better chance of playing a productive role in society.

When you have decided to make the commitment to work with a Take Stock student, you will be asked to complete an application, be interviewed by the Take Stock staff, and go through a background check and screening process. After some basic training, you will be matched with a student who will benefit most by your influence.

All mentoring is done on the school campus during school hours on a schedule arranged between you and the student. In addition, you will always have the support of someone in our Take Stock office throughout the mentoring process to go to with questions or comments.

Become a mentor, invest in a child's life, and Take Stock in their future today.

Here’s what our mentors have to say:

“One of the things I love the most about being a mentor is to know that I have a postive influence on a child's life by my direction. Sometimes I find all the child wants is someone to talk to you. You may think that's something little but to them it means so much more.”
-Michele Blevins, Dade City

"Mentoring is one of my most valued experiences. The relationship shared by the mentor & mentee is invaluable. There could not be a more worthwhile way to spend one's time & energy....and it is absolutely free for the asking! (What a deal!)" -Peg Petersen

“I love interacting with the students and it keeps me with a positive attitude. So often we as adults forget how we sacrificed to get where we are, and that makes our job as mentors even more challenging. – Brenda Barker
It has been a wonderful experience to make a difference in someone's life. This is the 3rd year that I have been meeting with my student (she is a senior). I definitely recommend this program! - Dina Athanassie

Click here to print out a mentor application (additional paperwork will be required)

Click here to download the Mentor Information Update Form

Click here to request more information about becoming a mentor.