Become a Mentor!
VIPS oversees two school-based mentor programs: Project RISE (Raising Interest and Self-Esteem, for students in grades K-8) and the Falmouth High School (FHS) Mentor Program. Project RISE (initiated in 1994) and the FHS Mentor Program (started in 1999) are two of VIPS’ hallmark programs. They grew out of a need-identified by school adjustment counselors-for caring individuals who could spend an hour a week with a student to serve as a role model, supporter, and friend. While many students in need of a mentor are considered to be at-risk for one or more factors, other students come to the program because they have recently experienced change or trauma and may be finding it hard to cope. The child’s needs may "fly under the radarc in that the child’s academic performance may be unaffected by the change, while his/her emotional and social abilities may suffer. A mentor can make a significant difference in that student’s self-confidence and self-esteem.
In This Section:
Though VIPS mentoring programs do not select for students based on income, academic performance, or other socio-economic categories-instead relying on the expertise of school counselors and classroom teachers for referrals-many of our mentees are considered at-risk. Falmouth’s public school system is comprised of seven schools with a total enrollment is 3,750 students. Approximately one-fifth of Falmouth’s students are considered low-income (defined as those who are eligible for free or reduced price lunch), one of the documented risk factors for students. VIPS mentor programs currently serve 87 students (up from 68 last school year) with wide-ranging needs and interests. We currently have six matches pending, and several students on our waiting list for mentors. During the 2008-09 school year, enhancements to our mentor programs-a new program leader, added training opportunities for staff and mentors, and improved recruiting and evaluation methods-led to an 22 percent growth in the number of mentors and the number of at-risk students served by the programs in the past year. That growth continues, as does our commitment to program excellence.
VIPS receives funding support from the following local organizations
in support of its school-based mentoring programs:
- Cape and Islands United Way (www.uwcapecod.org)
- Woods Hole Foundation (www.woodsholefoundation.org)
- Cape Cod Five Charitable Foundation (www.capecodfive.com/home/fou/abt)
- Cape Youth Force of the Cape Cod Foundation (www.capecodfoundation.org)
- Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (www.artsfoundation.org)
VIPS collaborates with many local organizations to provide orientation, training, and ongoing support to its mentors throughout the school year. During regular monthly meetings and special evening presentations, mentors are updated on issues relevant to their students by professionals from the Cape Cod Community Health Center, Penikese Island School, Falmouth Human Services, Falmouth Substance Abuse Commission, Gosnold, Cape Cod Healthcare, Independence House, the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State College, the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department, and private practitioners in the health and wellness fields. VIPS is a partner and steering committee member in the Falmouth Prevention Partnership (LINK: www.falmouthprevention.org) , a community coalition established in 2009 to address local conditions and risk factors conducive to risky behaviors in youth. Results from a survey of community youth (www.falmouthmass.us/human/gr7-12executivesummary.pdf) found that: (1) youth lack opportunities and incentives for positive community involvement; (2) regular drinking among youth is seen as an acceptable way of dealing with stress and boredom; and (3) community transitions and mobility are high. These findings underscore the need for VIPS to reach out to at-risk students not currently served by our school-based mentor programs. In addition to our one-on-one mentoring programs, VIPS has partnered with Falmouth Human Services to add gender-based, after-school support groups for students ages 9-14. These groups follow the Girls Circle (LINK: www.girlscircle.com) and Boys Council (www.boyscouncil.com) curricula, and are co-facilitated by volunteers and staff members who have completed the facilitator training program.
LINKS:
What is a Mentor? Presentation (downloadable
Powerpoint presentation)
VIPS School-based Mentoring Program Objectives (word document)
Mentor Guidelines (word document)
Meetings for prospective and existing mentors are held throughout the school year. These meetings often feature a speaker for a portion of the meeting. Speakers are invited to share their expertise with mentors, school counselors, and interested community members on topics requested by mentors and/or on topics of importance and relevance to Falmouth youth. The meetings allow a chance for mentors to interact, share and seek advice from other mentors, and discuss school-specific issues.
Project RISE
Wednesday, April 14th
Mullen-Hall Elementary School
Guest speaker: Cindy Horgan, title, topic
9:30 -11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 19th
East Falmouth Elementary School
Guest speaker:
9:30 a.m.-for new mentors
10:00-11:00 a.m.-meeting for existing mentors
June (dates TBA)
Ice Cream Sundae parties to celebrate a successful school year!
FHS Mentor Program
Tuesday, April 13th
9:30 a.m.-for new mentors
10:00-11:00 a.m.-meeting for existing mentors
Tuesday, May 18th
Mentor-Mentee Pizza Party and Graduation celebration for seniors
FHS Library
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
For information about speakers and topics held throughout the school year, contact VIPS.
As part of the Mass Mentoring Partnership, a network of 165 mentoring programs throughout the Commonwealth serving at-risk youth, our programs follow the nationally-recognized, research-driven practices in the field of mentoring known as Elements of Effective Practice. Studies of Massachusetts-based mentoring programs, conducted by the Liberty Mutual Group, confirm what VIPS knows to be true: "the gap between children served and children who could benefit from an additional caring adult in their lives remains dramatic.”
As part of MMP, VIPS staff and mentors have access to the most up to date research, training, and evaluation practices available in the field of mentoring.
Mentoring is rewarding! But don’t take our word for it…read some stories
about our mentor-mentee matches: Mentor Barry started mentoring one of
his matches when the boy was in 3rd grade. Now in their fourth year together,
Barry has seen many changes. He recalls the very first meeting, when
the student showed up with a hooded sweatshirt hiding his face. It didn’t
take long for the hood to come off and now he always shows his face. "He’s
a cute little kid who likes being silly,” says Barry. Since the beginning,
Barry has brought an apple for his mentee each week to their meetings;
it is a tradition they both enjoy. Barry recalls asking his mentee-at
their third meeting-"Who’s your best buddy?” He replied, "You mean besides
you?” Over the years, Barry has received some heartwarming notes from
the student. He agreed to share a couple of lines:
"Just because of you I love EVERY Thursday at school.”
"Barry, you have been an inspiration. Since I met you, you have [gone]
out of your way for me. Thank you.”
Mentor Jill has been matched with her student for four years. Now a high school freshman, Jill says her mentee is really "coming out of her shell.” The mentoring has been so incredible, says Jill, citing the consistency and trust as critical. "I think it is great to be able to say to a mentee ‘you are of value.’” Jill was captivated by the shy 5th grader and saw her potential right away. "She has a great sense of humor and is very smart. She was struggling without peer relationships,” says Jill. The two connected through writing and the characters in the student’s stories. "We took it slowly, to establish safety and trust,” she says. Her student is always there and excited to see her mentor.
Pat decided to volunteer because her life was so busy. She was matched with an 8th grade girl. Many years later, she and her mentee continue to meet weekly; the student will graduate this year. Together they have explored post-high school options, including college and a possible career as a massage therapist. The student feels that her mentor is an adult she can talk to about anything, allowing a connection that helps her find her personal passion for life. Pat’s strives "to be there to walk with her.” When her student graduates, Pat intends to start over again with a new mentee.
The VIPS mentor programs leader received a phone call from an acquaintance whose friend mentors students in Project RISE. She wanted to say thank you for the joy she is receiving from watching her friend develop his relationship with the two brothers he mentors. It seems these boys were laughing so hard, that the school principal walked by the room a few times to check in. With much adversity at home, these boys are finding the gift of laughter is helping break down the wall of sadness they have built. The mentor’s commitment to routine-same day, same time, same meeting room-has really helped the relationship and connection form.
As part of a pilot program, four high school students have been mentoring elementary school students. "Mentoring is about bonding,” says one teen. "It makes me feel good that my mentee looks forward to our meetings each week.” Another high school student likes the feeling she gets from mentoring: "it feels great to give back!” At one elementary school, the high school mentor works with his mentee on art projects, and still looks forward to their weekly meeting.
Apply today!
VIPS Registration Form
CORI form