Hour Friends In Deed Mentoring Program
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The Mentor/Mentee relationship is a key to a child’s development
Hour Friends in Deed provides mentors to children who have a parent in prison. Children are at the heart of our work at Hour Children, and mentors provide a much needed friend, and a positive role model to a child when they need it most. Mentors inspire children (ages 4–18), help them develop strong social skills, and establish valuable goals through learning and sharing. Mentors and children choose what type of activities to do – playing sports, hiking, cooking, homework going on a picnic, or seeing a movie.
Fun at the Fire House
In other words, mentoring is all about having fun! We interview all participants; the child, mentor, and the caregiver, to find out about their interests and ensure the match’s compatibility. Throughout the match our dedicated HFID staff provide hands–on support. Mentors must be at least 21 years of age, and be able to provide 3 references, are subject to a background check, a personal interview, and participate in training sessions. We also require at least a one year commitment.
“I first was matched with Chris back in Jan. When I first met him he was this little shy boy. Our first interactions were good. We spend most of our time at the museums and taking pictures. I remember the first time I took a picture with him he refused to even look at the camera. There was no way that I can get a picture of both of us, it wasn’t happening. After spending some months with him, he has opened my eyes to a brighter future. I enjoy every moment I have with him. The once shy little boy has opened up in many ways. Anytime he sees me he runs to me and gives me a big hug, a huge difference from when I first met him. It’s like where ever he is at he isn’t afraid to conquer the world. He has made me realize how important bonding with a child is. A child needs love and patience, and I enjoy being a role model. Just to be able to put a smile on his face means the world to me. Chris and I learn off of each other.”
-Mentor Kat talking about her match with Chris
Contact Information
If interested, please contact Kellie Phelan at 718-433-4724 ext.160 or at kphelan@hourchildren.org
Hour Adult Mentoring Program
Women-to-Women Mentors are integral to Hour Children’s mission
The goal of the Adult Mentoring Program is to match adults who are being released from the Taconic Correctional Facility and Bayview Correctional Facility with Mentors who will work with them pre and post release. Mentors will work with mentees as key catalyst for keeping mentees inspired and away from behaviors that get them into trouble. Mentors will provide positive role modeling and encourage the mentee to be responsible for their own decisions. The mentor will offer practical assistance with daily living, parenting, budgeting, apartment or job searching. Although the mentor plays a supportive role to the case management of the Mentoring Program staff, the mentor will also help the mentee by her knowledge of and referrals for additional support service for special needs. Mentors are recruited through outreach, speaking engagements and advertisement.
We require that mentors are at least 21 years or older and can commit to at least one year of mentoring. We are always looking for mentors and if you are interested in being a part of another woman’s life as well as watching the wonderful transformation of the women we serve.
Inside of the facilities we recruit women who are in the last phases of their sentences with at least 4 to 8 months left. This gives the mentor time to work with the mentee inside the facility and continue the relationship upon release. Since the inception of this program, we have successfully matched more than 30 women and look forward to increasing that number in the coming years. Bi-weekly groups are held at each facility with the focus on obstacles and barriers that will be faced by the women once released and preparing them with the tools they will need to overcome those obstacles. We are proud as we watch our women regain their lives and begin to follow the road to success.
Lola was released in May 2010 after serving a two year sentence. Meeting her in prison I immediately recognized the determination she had to get her life back on track. Upon her release she came to our office to talk about what she needed to assist her in achieving her immediate goals. Through her determination, the support of her mentor and the program, by July of 2010 Lola had completed a training course in Nurse Aide/Nursing Assistant. Lola has been employed working with handicapped adults for the past six months and is happy to be reunited with her family. She and her mentor are in constant contact and spend quality time together on a monthly basis.
-Woman-to-Woman Success Story – Lola
Contact Information
If interested please contact the Adult Mentoring Program Coordinator – Juliana Robinson at 718-433-4724 ext 28.
