An incarceration affects the entire family. The child may have a hard time adjusting to a change in the family structure or feel uneasy about explaining the situation to well-meaning peers and adults.
The MCP program is FREE and available to youth 4 to 18 years old who have been affected by the incarceration (past or present) of someone in their lives. Each child is paired with an adult who takes on the role of a friend- NOT a substitute parent.
“I feel grateful with my mentor in my life right now. He has helped me understand some stuff.”
– Derrick*, mentee
The staff at Seton Youth Shelters works closely with caregivers, mentors and mentees to ensure the best experience for everyone. We value caregiver input while setting goals for the mentor-mentee relationship. Children and caregivers will not be pressured to talk about the incarceration. Mentors provide consistent, individual attention to their mentee. Their time together may include participating in recreational, education, or cultural activities. Mentors and mentees commit to spending a minimum of four hours together each month for at least one year.
“I am very happy to have Mia’s* mentor. She is very nice and kind. I like the way she calls Mia during the week to see how she is doing. Mia really needs that.” – Alexis*, caregiver
Download our Mentee Brochure for Parents
Download our Mentee Application
Interested in becoming a mentor?
Benefits of Mentoring Include:
- The rewarding feeling that comes from helping a child
- Being able to be a “big kid” when you are with your mentee
- The ability to adapt your volunteer time to your personal schedule, including evenings and weekends
- Doing what you enjoy anyway, while having a positive impact on a child
Volunteer mentors must commit to spending at least four hours per month with a mentee for one year. Minimum requirements to become a mentor include: age 20 or older, reliable transportation, valid license and auto insurance and the ability to pass background checks. Mentors will also complete an application and interview process followed by a training to prepare the mentor for his or her match.
“I continue to enjoy spending time with Whitney*. She is a great kid with lots of potential. I look forward to our weekly outings and phone calls.” Rachel*, mentor
*Names changed to protect the privacy of our clients.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 757.646.9965
HYPE (Helping Youth Pursue Excellence)
Helping Youth Pursue Excellence (HYPE) is a volunteer youth group for middle and high schoolers that meets monthly to complete various community services projects in the Hampton Roads area.
Goals
- Volunteer in the community
- Increase outreach to teens in crisis.
- Provide youth input into Seton Youth Shelters’ programs.
- Assist Seton Youth Shelters, through youth/adult partnerships, to fulfill our mission.
Volunteer Events
- Special Olympics
- Soup Kitchens
- Clean the Bay Day
- Shelter Holiday Decorating
- SPCA
History
- HYPE (formerly Seton Youth Ambassadors) was founded in September 1998 and two Youth Ambassadors serve as voting members of our Board of Directors. HYPE has participated annually in the Cardboard Boat Regatta, decorating both shelters for the holidays, and have assisted in constructing the walkway from St Aidan’s parking lot to the Girls’ Shelter.
- HYPE responds to requests from the community to assist in their projects and speak on behalf of Seton Youth Shelters. HYPE sponsors activities with the residents of the shelters and serves as an outreach contact in the schools they attend. Two members of HYPE are awarded the Donna Rowe Memorial Scholarship to assist in meeting their educational goals.
- HYPE received the 2002 and 2004 Volunteer Hampton Roads Achievement Award for the Youth Group Division, and also was the recipient of the 2003 Safe Harbor Award. HYPE provides Seton Youth Shelters with a rich history of youth/adult partnerships that help build a stronger community.
Want to join HYPE?
Click here to download the application.
For more info, please call 757.646.9965
