Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ FOR VOLUNTEERS:
Q: How will I be matched with child?
A: The application and interview process helps us get to know your preferences and learn about the situation best suited for you. You also get to know us and learn what to expect. During the matching process, we take into account your personality, likes, dislikes, age preferences, background, and location. The final decision for a match is always yours.
Q: How do children come into the program?
A: Children and parents may hear about Impact Mentoring from a teacher, counselor, church, friend who has a Hero and media, etc. Children and their parents both choose to be part of our program.
Q: Who are the children in the program?
A: Our Sidekicks come from various types of home environments, family structures, socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, neighborhoods and schools across our entire community. While their backgrounds and personalities are all unique, all Sidekicks have a need for friendship with a caring adult.
Q: How is the match managed?
A: An individual Case Worker from our staff assigned to your match will help you develop your friendship, address any questions, concerns or problems all while giving you guidance throughout your match. Case workers can help you understand what is happening in your friendship and flag problems before they start. They can also be a helpful link to many resources available.
FAQ FOR PARENTS:
Q: What is Impact Mentoring?
A: Impact Mentoring is a volunteer organization that matches a qualified volunteer with a young person between the ages of 6 - 12. There are four different programs your child can be involved in; Community Based, Site Based Adult, Site Based Lunch Buddy and High School Buddy Afterschool Program.
Q: How does it work?
A: A volunteer, “Hero”, is assigned to the child who will be their “Sidekick”. The volunteer is asked to see the child on a regular basis
Q: Who serves as a Mentor and “Hero”?
A: Volunteers are closely screened through an interview, background checks, reference checks and a completed training session. They receive nothing other than the personal reward and joy of helping a child.
Q: How does impact mentoring select the volunteer who will be my child's friend?
A: A case manager receives the volunteer's application, checks the references, and thoroughly interviews the potential volunteer. The volunteer also attends an orientation and training session. When the person is ready to be matched, the case manager then matches the volunteer with a child according to need, interests and personalities.
Q: If I enroll my child in the program, how long will it take for a volunteer to be assigned?
A: That depends on how many children are on the waiting list and whether a compatible volunteer is available. Several months is not an unusual waiting period. it just depends on the availability of a volunteer to fit the need of a particular child.
Q: Will I have anything to say about the volunteer assigned to my child?
A: Certainly. Your preferences are a major factor in the assignment and Impact Mentoring wants your opinion.
Q: How long will the match between my child and the volunteer continue?
A: That depends on the child's needs and the agreement of all parties. We feel that a year commitment should be the minimum length of a match relationship. Many last longer, and the friendships often continue for a life time.
Q: What results should I expect from the volunteer's relationship with my child?
A: Do not expect instant changes. If the match relationship is effective, as most are, you can expect to see your child secure in a caring friendship with the increased self-confidence and warmth such a friendship often brings, but this will take time.
Q: How do I find out more about impact mentoring?
A: You can call our office at 270.821.0688. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm.
