Connecticut State Department of Children and Families

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V.I.T.A.L. Mentoring Programs and Resource links

 
The Power of Mentoring!
  • Mentoring can be a powerful experience for both young people (mentees) and adults (mentors). By forging a relationship and spending time together, two individuals have a unique opportunity to blossom in ways neither may have imagined before.
  • Mentors provide coaching and guidance that can bridge the gap between a youth’s goals, and his/her desired outcomes. Mentor relationships can offer a protective buffer from substance abuse, bullying, breaking the law, and academic failure.
  • Mentoring has been linked to academic success. Youth who are paired with an adult mentor, specifically in the teaching field have a 50 percent greater likelihood of attending college. The rate nearly doubled if the mentor was a teacher.
  • Mentoring can increase a youth’s intellectual, interpersonal, and emotional growth. These same youth can become better planners, organizers, and problem solvers and their self‐esteem may increase.
  • Youth in foster care report that mentors help make them believe that someone cares. A column written in The Chronicle of Evidence‐Based Mentoring noted that mentoring relationships can play an enormous role in helping foster youth reach their academic and personal potential. The experience also nurtures a youth’s ability to learn and thrive.

For more information on this and studies done click here:  Don't Under Estimate the Power of Mentoring

Contact your Social Worker to ask about options in your community to get a Mentor!

 

RESOURCES:

  • The Governors Prevention Partnership: (State directory of services): This is a collection of mentoring programs sponsored by the Governor's office that are available throughout the state of Connecticut.  Click on the links on this website to search for something local that might interest you.
  • Mentoring for LGBTQ youth through True Colors:  True Colors matches LGBTQ and ally adults with LGBTQ youth.  This agency offers programs to youth all over Connecticut.  Youth come from the Department of Children and Families and are between 14 and 21. Youth who participate in this program are matched with a True Colors mentor for a period of one year. However, the expectation is that this relationship will extend beyond this time period. Once matched, mentors and mentees are given two assignments and asked to set goals for the following year. From there it’s up to them to decide how they’re going to spend their time together!

 

Here are a few resources/suggestions located in your region:

Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6

Region 1- Bridgeport, Norwalk- Southwestern, CT

 

Region 2-Milford, New Haven- South Central, CT 
  • Best Buddies Connecticut ‐ A state affiliate of Best Buddies International, seeking to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through one‐to‐one friendships. 866‐CT‐BUDDY (toll free)
  • Boys & Girls Club of New Haven ‐ offers afterschool, summer, teen and sports programs to over 200 youth daily. There are two program sites: one in the Hill neighborhood and one in the Fair Haven Heights neighborhood of New Haven, in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Haven. 253 Columbus Avenue New Haven, CT 06519 203‐787‐0187 or 203‐865‐2594 e‐mail: kidscomefirst@bgcnewhaven.org
  • Milford Youth & Family Services ‐ Department of Human Services 150 Gulf Street Milford, CT 06460 Contact: Christie Roche 203‐783‐3253 E‐mail: croche@ci.milford.ct.us 
  • The Technology Mentoring Program ‐ partners youth between the ages of 12 ‐ 17 that have a basic understanding of computers, cell phones and other common gadgets with individuals in need of help navigating through the technological world. If you know your way around a Mac and/or PC or how to sync email accounts with the latest Smart Phone and you are looking for a temporary job, The Technology Mentoring Program is for you!

 

Region 3- Middletown, Norwich, Willimantic- Eastern, CT
  • Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeastern Connecticut 1595 Hartford Turnpike Route 85 Oakdale, CT 06370, Phone:  860‐437‐3227
  • TEEG, Mentoring programs, North Grosvenordale
  • Families in Crisis‐ Family Ties ‐ assists children who have a parent in prison (and other members of the family) who live in Hartford. The program offers a comprehensive range of services to children, their community caregivers and their imprisoned parents. 21 Montauk Ave, suite 303 New London, CT 06320 Phone: 860‐629‐7940
  • Nutmeg Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Inc. (Middletown Connection) 30 Laurel Street, Suite 3 Hartford, CT 06106‐1377; Email: nutmeg@bbbsnutmeg.org   
    Phone: 860‐525‐5437

 

Region 4- Hartford and Manchester- North Central, CT

 

Region 5- Danbury, Torrington, Waterbury- Western, CT
  • Best Buddies Connecticut ‐ A state affiliate of Best Buddies International, Best Buddies Connecticut seeks to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through one‐to‐one friendships. Toll Free: 866‐CT‐BUDDY 
  • Changing Lives ‐ Waterbury Youth Service System Inc.‐ 1 on 1 (one adult to one youth) for young adults ages 13‐21 (DCF referral), who are in and out of home care in Waterbury. Contact: Tabitha Rodriguez, Program Coordinator 203‐573‐0264 Covenant to Care for Child 
  • School based mentoring, Danbury      

 

Region 6- Meriden, New Britain- Central, CT
  • Meriden YMCA ‐ This is a community‐based program enlisting a local organization to provide support and a safe and fun facility for mentors and mentees. This program provides opportunities for the mentors and mentees to meet during after school and after work hours. 203‐235‐6386 
  • New Britain Boys and Girls Club:  ACE Mentoring Program