The PEAK Mentoring Program helps to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential. The mentoring program uses adult volunteers to commit to supporting, guiding, and being a friend to a young person for a period of at least one year. By becoming part of the social network of adults and community members who care about the youth, the mentor can help youth develop and reach positive academic, career, and personal goals.

Mentor Role

Take the lead in supporting a young person through an ongoing, one-to-one relationship

Serve as a positive role model and friend

Build the relationship by planning and participating in activities together

Strive for mutual respect

Build self-esteem and motivation

Help set goals and work toward accomplishing them

Time Commitment

Make a one-year commitment

Spend a minimum of eight hours per month one-to-one with a mentee

Communicate with the mentee weekly

Attend an initial two-hour training session and additional two-hour training sessions twice during each year of participation in the program

Attend optional mentor/mentee group events, mentor support groups, and program recognition events

Participation Requirements

Be at least 21 years’ old

Reside in Elizabethton/Carter County area

Be interested in working with young people

Be willing to adhere to all program policies and procedures

Be willing to complete the application and screening process

Be dependable and consistent in meeting the time commitments

Attend mentor training sessions as prescribed

Be willing to communicate regularly with program staff, submit activity information, and take constructive feedback regarding mentoring activities

Have access to an automobile, auto insurance, and a good driving record

Have a clean criminal history

No use of illicit drugs

No use of alcohol or controlled substances in an inappropriate manner

Desirable Qualities

Willing listener

Encouraging and supportive

Patient and flexible

Tolerant and respectful of individual differences

Benefits

Personal fulfillment through contribution to the community and individuals

Satisfaction in helping someone mature, progress, and achieve goals

Training sessions and group activities

Participation in a mentor support group

Mileage and expenses are tax deductible

Personal ongoing support, supervision to help the match succeed

Mentee/mentor group activities, complimentary tickets to community events, participant recognition events

Application and Screening Process

Written application

Driving record check

Criminal history check: state, child abuse and neglect registry, sexual offender registry

Personal interview

Provide three personal references

Attend two-hour mentor training

Dinner will be provided.

Participants will complete a full mentor program application during this training so participants should bring:

Drivers license & auto insurance

Contact information for three references

Readiness & openness to learn!