Become A Mentee
The Bender Mentoring Initiative, in partnership with Partners for Youth with Disabilities, is looking for youth ages 11 to 17 with visible or non-apparent disabilities to match one-on-one with a mentor in their community.
Can I Be a Mentee?
A mentee will be 11-17 years old who has a physical or nonapparent disability and is looking to build life skills and a relationship with a strong role model who will provide those skills. All mentees must:
- Reside in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
- Self-identify as having a visible or non-apparent disability.
Who Would Be My Mentor?
Our mentors are all individuals 18 years or older who want to help a young person with a disability prepare for the next stage of their life by building strong relationships and helping to teach important life skills. All mentors are required to:
- Pass PA State, Federal Background Check and Child Abuse History clearances.
- Have a valid Drivers License or State ID Card.
- Provide 3 character references.
Benefits for Mentees
- Enhance relationship building skills.
- Explore opportunities for success.
- Grow communication skills.
- Learn how to self-advocate.
Students who participate in mentoring programs are more likely to:
- Stay in school.
- Build a resource network.
- Make long-term career plans.
- Engage in their community.
- Hold leadership positions.
Commitment
This program requires a commitment of 4-6 hours a month, in person or virtual, over the period of one year.
What Exactly Is a Disability?
A disability is defined as “a physical, mental, [medical or environmental] impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”
**See bottom of page for examples of included disabilities**
Next Steps
If you are interested in being a Mentor or Mentee, please complete the Intake form below.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Law, Community Liaison Specialist
(412) 677 – 8554
**Impairments considered to be disabilities include, but not limited to, physical or motor disabilities, psychosocial disabilities, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, visceral disabilities, sensory disabilities, and disabilities resulting from criminal involvement or victimization, homelessness, poor school attendance/truancy, low achievement in school, family histories of criminal involvement or other social and environmental risk factors.
Interested in becoming a mentee?
If you are interested in being a Mentee, please complete the Intake form below.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Law, Community Liaison Specialist
(412) 677 – 8554