Mathis Foundation for Children is seeking funding and volunteer mentors for a Youth Leadership Program currently in planning stages.
The mission of this program is to enhance and improve life-learning experiences for youth, ages 14-18, living in substitute care. The goal of the program is to work with 50 youth to develop life skills that build independence, encourage leadership and inspire success.
The Mathis Leadership Program will use mentoring to create positive life experiences. Participating mentors will include mature adults, young adults and peers that are Mathis scholarship recipients.
Monthly sessions will incorporate motivational speakers and educational activities to develop skills, leading to rewarding outcomes such as:
- Self-sufficiency
- Self-confidence
- Interpersonal Communication Skills
- Relationship-Building Skills
- Project Management Skills
- Financial Stability
- Ability to Become Model Citizen
- Desire to Give Back to the Community
Collaborations with selected organizations will ensure the success of the Leadership Program. Participants will be referred by Greater-Cincinnati foster care agencies and other youth supporting agencies. Community sponsors will provide lunches and industry programming.
For additional information on the Mathis Youth Leadership Program, contact
Mathis Foundation for Children.
VOLUNTEER MENTORS NEEDED
The Mathis Foundation for Children will begin a
Leadership Forum for youth in the foster care system in 2010. We are seeking
20 volunteer mentors to participate in the 5 month program. The Forum will take place from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm the 4th Saturday of each month, beginning in February and running through June. Mentors will be expected to participate in 3 trainings, as well as each of the 5 Forum sessions. Criminal background checks, auto insurance, and references are required. Mentors are expected to transport the assigned youth to and from sessions.
The Mathis Foundation is collaborating with Hamilton County Job and Family Services for this Leadership Forum Pilot Program for adolescents age 14 to 18 who are placed in out-of-home care by the Juvenile Court. The purpose of the Forum is to develop leadership skills, decrease negative behaviors, and enhance the youths’ ability to become successful adults. The foster youth meet monthly for 6 months for a full day program to experience life-learning opportunities. Each monthly session will consist of a motivational speaker, lunch, and a learning activity/field trip. Activities include visits to industry, educational institutions, legal/public safety departments, and fine arts venues. A volunteer mentor is assigned to each youth to engage the youth to participate fully and enrich the experience for the youth by creating a meaningful relationship with a caring adult. The mentor is responsible to create a bond with the youth through regular involvement between monthly sessions.
The short-term outcomes include the following:
- Increase life skills, as measured by the assessment tool
- Learn to work together to complete a project
- Create a personal budget
- Gain confidence to express opinions and speak before others
- Create life goals and one year goals
- Financial Stability
- Develop positive relations with team members
- Understand the dangers of drug use
The long-term outcomes include the following:
- Completion of high school and connection to post high school
- Development of financial stability and gainful employment
- Increase in self-confidence and improvement in interpersonal actions
- Recognition of the importance of community involvement
Goals:
Of the selected youth for the Leadership Forum, 80% will complete the Forum. All youth completing the Forum will gain the self confidence to speak before the group, cooperate effectively in a team project, write a self assessment with 1 year and life goals, prepare a monthly budget, and express an understanding of the dangers of drug use and criminal behavior. Fifty percent of the youth will develop an ongoing relationship with their mentors.
If interested, fill out our
Mentor Application online, or contact Deb McMullen at 513.257.8845 or
deb@mathisfoundation.org