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Mentoring (Hours for Ours)

Hours for Ours Mentoring

Mission Statement

Hours for Oursis a school-based mentoring program partnering Michigan City Area Schools Students with the Michigan City adult / business community, thereby creating positive voluntary intergenerational relationships nurturing childrens' potential. Who are mentors? Business Community Members, Retired Community Members, Parents, Grandparents, high school students in good standing, college and university students, and Community Members Committed to Children

How it works:

Youth participation in Hours for Ours may be at the suggestion of a parent, child, principal, teacher or other school support staff. Student participation must have parent consent. Youth are matched with a mentor who has successfully completed the mentor application process and undergone a criminal background check. MCAS youth meet one hour per week with their mentor. Meetings take place in a designated area within the child's school, under the support of a Hours for Ours school site coordinator. Youth and mentors spend time playing games, talking and building relationships based on support and trust. The mentor is an emotional 'cheerleader' for the child as he/she grows and begins to realize their potential and sprout dreams for their future. Mentors are available to meet during a student's lunchtime or in designated MCAS after-school program sites. Any meetings between a mentor and a student outside of school or a designated Hours for Ours sponsored activity is between the mentor student and students parent.

"Mentoring has made me slow down once a week, long enough to realize what is really important"- Heather, Trans Apparel Group

"My mentor taught me how to be a good friend"- Pine School Student

"If you make a little impact in a child's life by encouraging them in the right direction you've made a real contribution to the child, yourself and the community"- Larry, Weil McLain

How do you begin?

 
  • Complete and send in the Hours for Ours Inquiry Form
 
  • Call MCAS:(219) 873-2026 ext. 8744

What will you need to do?

 
  • Complete a criminal background check

 

  • Complete a Mentor Interview Form

 

  • Complete a TB screening questionnaire

 

  • Attend an Hours for Ours orientation meeting

What should I expect?

 

  • The Hours for Ours approval process may take two to four weeks to complete.

 

  • The support of MCAS staff as you build and sustain a relationship with your student.

 

  • A shared sense of pride as your mentor grows, learns and experiences the seeds for success.

 

  • Satisfaction in knowing that you are a part of  a community which is creating the building blocks of our community's future.
 
For additional information on "Hours for Ours" or an application contact:
Sherri Silcox at 219 873-2026 ext 8744 or
 
 

Hours for Ours Partners with the following:

Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce, Michigan City Area Schools, Michigan City Businesses, Faith-based Organizations, and Community Members, Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, Unity Foundation of LaPorte County, and United Way of Laporte County.

Mentoring Quotes

Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction ~John Crosby 

 

We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give ~  Winston Churchill                                          

 

Be the change you want to see in the world ~Gandhi   

 

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel ~Maya Angelou 

 

Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them. ~Lady Bird Johnson 

 

A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could. ~Unknown