The Team Up Mentoring program was formed to fill the gap created in the community when Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of South Hampton Roads closed. The program matches adults age 20 and older with kids ages 6 to 17. The mentors serve as role models to youths, who often come from single parent homes or foster homes or who desire more time with a responsible, caring adult. There are several options available:

Community Program -- This program requires a commitment of a few hours a week for one year. The mentor and child meet weekly to participate in everyday activities, such as playing basketball or going to the beach. Each match receives ongoing support from Team Up staff and are welcome to join in activities planned by The Up Center personnel.

Foster Care Mentoring Program: Mentors spend a few hours each week with a child who is placed in foster care.  Mentors provide stability to youth by forging a lasting and trusting relationship through participation in everyday activities.  Mentors will receive special training for this role and ongoing support from the Team Up Staff.

School Mentoring – This is a school-based program. Mentors meet with a child for one hour a week for the duration of the school year. The mentor plays games or helps with homework during school hours. A school-based program is currently being launched at Ruffner Middle School and with support, the program staff is open to starting programs at other schools as well.

The Rewards-

Aside from the having fun, studies show that young people who form trusting relationships with their mentors are:

• 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 52% less likely to skip school
• One third less likely to hit someone
• More confident in their schoolwork and get along better with their families
  

For more information about volunteering as a mentor or enrolling your child as a participant, please submit your request online or contact Mary Midyette at 757-397-2121 ext. 317.

The Team Up Mentoring program is being funded in part by a grant from the Governor's Office of Substance Abuse Prevention with the Governor's portion of funds from the United States Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 2001, Title IV, Part A of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 84-186.

The Team Up Mentoring Program for Foster Children is being funded by a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.