FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is "MentorMatch"?
MentorMatch is a volunteer mentoring service in several areas served by Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, (Richmond, Hampton, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Bedford and Wytheville). We bring adult volunteer mentors together with children ages 8-18 from the foster care and juvenile justice system.
- Who runs this program and how is it funded?
MentorMatch is a service provided by Lutheran Family Services of Virginia with a grant from the U.S. Office of Juvenile and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs.
- How does your organization define a "mentor"?
A mentor is an adult (18 years or older) who spends quality time with a vulnerable young person in the community by being a good role model. A mentor is also committed to the growth of a young person so that they will be successful and positive members of society.
- Who are your mentees and what is the age limit?
Our mentees are boys and girls who are involved in the foster care or juvenile justice system. They have had a very difficult life and need good role models in their lives. (Go to chapinhall.org for more information on foster care and juvenile justice children and the challenges they face.)
- What type of mentoring does MentorMatch provide?
MentorMatch provides traditional one-on-one mentoring in that the mentor and mentee participate in activities off-site. Those activities are planned by the mentor and focus on things that the mentee likes to do. That could be anything from attending a sporting event to throwing a Frisbee in the park to studying for a test at the library to completing a job application. The list truly is endless.
- How does someone become a mentor?
First, they can call our Richmond MentorMatch office at (804)288-0122. There is a short pre-interview over the phone and then, if everything looks good, we set up an interview. The mentor candidate also completes an application which is reviewed by the case manager . (References are also contacted.) If the applicant is approved for the next step in which a criminal record check and other security checks are conducted. If the security checks are clean, mentor candidates then go through training which is provided by the local office of the Virginia Mentoring Partnership. The training usually lasts a few hours and is mandatory for all mentors.
- Where is the mentoring training held?
It is held at our regional offices located around the state.
- When will the training be held and when do the mentors and mentees meet each other?
After training we will have the mentor and mentee get together for the big "MentorMatch Match Day" Event. That will be the first time that they will meet. There will also be quarterly meetings and several holiday events. Mentors and mentees will also have special supplemental meetings during the mentoring year.
- Once the mentors and mentees are matched will they be hearing from you again or at least, periodically?
Yes, each match will have year-long case management in that we will be communicating with them on a regular basis. We will answer their questions and give them guidance and encouragement. We will also have quarterly events and a year-end awards dinner where the best male and female mentor and mentee will get an award and all who finish the program will receive a diploma.
- How may I get in touch with MentorMatch?
Go to our Application page and contact the office nearest you.
- I am not able to be a mentor but I would like to help MentorMatch recruit mentors. Are there opportunities for me to help?
Yes! We need "Mentor Ambassadors" to help us recruit mentors and mentees in the regions we serve. Please call (804)288-0122 or email tgoldman@lfsva.org or pday@lfsva.org for more information.
- Is it too late for me to be involved in MentorMatch?
No. In fact, we will have mentor training and orientations at different times all year long. Call our MentorMatch Richmond office at (804)288-0122 or email tgoldman@lfsva.org. You may also call our main office at (540)946-2633 or email pday@lfsva.org for information about MentorMatch in other regions of the state.
- Where can I read about a mentor's experience?
Read about two MentorMatch mentors here.
