Mentoring Matters Application
*** NEW: Mentoring Matters Spanish Club ! ***
About Mentoring Matters
The Mentoring Matters (MM) program pairs middle school students in need, with caring adult mentors, in order to build long-term, one-to-one relationships. Funded by Capital Area United Way, the program is a collaborative effort between Communities in Schools of Central Texas (CIS) and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas (BBBS).  Big Brothers Big Sisters brings a proven system for creating and supporting mentoring relationships in the community. CIS brings expertise in supporting youth in the school settings. These two agencies have come together to create a program that enables more young people in Central Texas to finish school, improve their grades, steer clear of drugs and alcohol, and have more positive relationships all around."The time that a mentor shares with his/her student meets a need that is often not met any other capacity-the need for undivided and complete attention from a caring adult. Time is an amazing gift!" Lora Ferguson: Program Manager, Gus Garcia Middle School
How the Mentoring Matters Model Works Why Mentor?
Why chose mentoring above other types of volunteer opportunities? Read more about how mentoring provides a unique opportunity to both students and volunteers.
Benefits to Students
Benefits to Mentors
Benefits to Community Who Can Mentor? Mentors are needed from all walks of life. We work with young professionals, seniors, college students, retirees, business leaders, professional moms, PhD's and the young at heart. Everyone potentially has something to contribute. Those whose cultural backgrounds mirror that of the students we serve are especially needed, including African American, Hispanic, Asian, and other minorities. Special Skills/Needs
Commitment Support During the Journey
The most successful and impactful mentoring relationships are supported in a professional manner, on an on-going basis. Here's what mentors can expect from the Mentoring Matters program:
Match Support
Training
Interaction With Other Mentoring Matters Matches
Resources and Information for Mentors Spanish Club Know just a little Spanish? Want to learn more? Many of the kids in our program have parents with limited English skills. These families are eager to have a mentor for their child and will gladly help you with your Spanish! The kids themselves speak English, but they would likely enjoy helping you with your Spanish as well! Club members can participate in free, bi-weekly Spanish-immersion conversation classes on Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 at Dominican Joe’s Coffee, plus attend bilingual or Spanish-only cultural events such as plays or music performances together with other Club members and their mentees. As the club grows, we will add additional classes and locations. To participate, fill out and turn in the MM application http://www.cisaustin.org/images/MM_mentor_app_2010.doc. Include in your email that you are interested in the Spanish Club. Once the enrollment process is complete, BBBS staff will work to match you with an appropriate family and get you started in the MM Spanish Club. For more information, contact Brenda Jimenez 464-9764. Participating Schools
Mentoring Matters serves a number of middle and elementary schools in the greater Austin area. To learn more about the unique needs of each school, visit our school links page.
Participating Schools and Locations
Special Needs for Each School Sign Me Up In order to ensure safety for Bigs and Littles, the application process for Mentoring Matters involves submitting an application with references, and allowing BBBS to conduct a security screening and criminal background check. The normal $30 fee for the background check is waived for MM applicants due to available funding. Additionally, an in-person interview will be scheduled in order to learn more about your preferences and skills, so that BBBS can make a strong mentor match. To fill out an MM application, click the link below.
http://www.cisaustin.org/images/MM_mentor_app_2010.doc
The MM application is a Microsoft Word Document. If you do not have Microsoft Word installed on your computer, you can still view and print the form by downloading Word Viewer 2003 from the Microsoft website (click here).
If you wish to have a paper copy of the application mailed to you, email volunteer@cisaustin.org. Community Organizations: Request a Presentation
If your community organization and/or employer is interested in learning more about mentoring opportunities for members/employees, request a presentation by emailing volunteer@cisaustin.org The Mentoring Matters program is funded by United Way Capital Area and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
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