Who is a McAuley Village Volunteer Mentor?

A McAuley Village volunteer mentor serves as a supportive listener and source of encouragement to single parents in the McAuley Village program. She/he assists the parent in goal setting, goal monitoring, and evaluation.

What do Volunteer Mentors do?

Meet for one hour on a weekly basis


Track progress and assist in making contacts with appropriate human service, educational, or governmental agencies


Encourage parent participation in life management skills programs offered at McAuley Village or in the neighborhood


Provide tutoring


Enjoy recreational pursuits focusing on the whole family

How do I Qualify as a Mentor?

Being a McAuley mentor means that you possess a firm belief in the McAuley Village philosophy:

• That given appropriate support and encouragement single parents can succeed.
  

• Being a good listener
  
• Being reliable
  
• Having varied life experiences
  
• Being organized
  
• Possessing a mature outlook on life coupled with a reputation for making good judgments

   

What are the Steps Involved in Becoming a McAuley Mentor?

Initial interview


Pre-service training


Placement


Mentor meetings


Program evaluation

 What Does the Matching Process Include?

Single parents come in many personalities. You may express interest in one who...

• is very active
  

• is reserved
  
• prefers being indoors
  
• is from the same racial or
  
• cultural background as you are
  
• has a chemical abuse history
  
• is from a large family
  
• is a college student
  
• has young children

It is important that you are comfortable with the single parent family and that your energies and skills are well utilized. A meeting with the single parent takes place before final decisions are made.

 What Happens When the Family Moves on?

Every relationship is different and exciting. Some mentors continue with the single parent after they move out of McAuley Village if the need to do so is evident. Others match up with a second and even a third. There is no hard and fast rule about continuing your mentor role.

 What are the Benefits of Being a McAuley Mentor?

As a McAuley mentor you have the opportunity to contribute to the strengthening of a family's life...the experience of working in a transitional housing program the only one of its kind in the state of Rhode Island...and the satisfaction that comes from helping others, making contacts, and improving your own skills as a mentor, counselor, friend!

 How do I Find out More About the Program?

If you would like to be a mentor or find out more about the program, contact Sister Holly Cloutier, RSM, resident manager at McAuley Village, 401/467-3630.