Mentoring Initiatives

Making Mentoring Meaningful (MMM)

Making Mentoring Meaningful (MMM) program is a partnership of dedicated community members and organizations working together to provide mentoring and supportive services to children of incarcerated adults, and their families, in the Greater Grand Boulevard/Bronzeville, Pullman, Roseland, and Englewood communities of Chicago. Funded through a grant from the Family and Youth Services Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services, the goal of the MMM Project is to work with children, ages 4 - 14, to develop positive relationships, improve social development, and develop skills to assist them in becoming healthy and productive community members through community-based one-on-one mentoring.

Illinois Mentoring Children of Prisoners Coalition

Developed in 2005, the IL MCP Coalition networks the Mentoring Children of Prisoner providers funded throughout Illinois. The nine member organizations meet regularly to develop initiatives, work collaboratively, and advocate for the needs of children and families affected by incarceration. To find a program near you, please see the map of providers.

Hurricane Katrina Mentoring Children of Prisoners Project

This federal initiative provided support to programs throughout the country that use mentoring services with children who have a parent incarcerated, and have these services available to Hurricane Katrina Survivors. Ten Regional Youth Services Network Providers, including Youth Network Council, identified and worked with established mentoring programs in order to provide access to mentoring services to children of incarcerated parents.

Mentoring Resources, Research, and Best practices

Mentoring is defined in many ways and takes many forms. What we know though is that Mentoring Works. It is important to share best practices, up-to-date information, and resources in the field of Mentoring to ensure successful initiatives for children, youth, and families. Find out what information is out there on Mentoring.

Together, we can Make Mentoring Meaningful

Youth Network Council and Chicago Youth Centers are working together to develop and sustain mentoring services for children of incarcerated parents. Research suggests that a young person with a parent incarcerated is significantly more likely to become incarcerated as well.

Help to Stop the Cycle. Be Part of the Solution. Consider Volunteering.

Making Mentoring Meaningful is a mentoring program that provides youth 4 - 14 years old, that have an incarcerated parent, the opportunity to be matched one-on-one with a volunteer mentor for academic and recreational support. Being matched to a mentor provides the child the opportunity to not only enjoy activities and outings, but the chance to build a relationship and share their feelings with a caring and responsible adult.

Making Mentoring Meaningful mentors meet with their mentees at least twice a month for 2 - 3 hours per activity/outing. Activities could include seeing a movie, going to lunch, visiting a park or simply running errands. We also offer group activities that allow matches to get together and participate in community service projects, attend sporting events and holiday parties.

Mentor Training

Mentors are provided opportunities to build upon their personal strengths, learn new skills, and share with others. Mentors will learn new ways to:

Communicate with Youth
Build Trust
Empathize
Embrace Strengths & Diversity
Network
Have Fun