Become A Mentor
The Bender Mentoring Initiative, in partnership with Partners for Youth with Disabilities, is looking for Mentors to provide one-on-one mentoring to youth ages 11 to 17 with visible or non-apparent disabilities.
Can I Be A 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.
Who Are The Mentees?
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.
Benefits for Mentors
- Enhance leadership skills.
- Create community connections.
- Increase problem solving skills.
- Grow communication skills.
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
Requires a commitment of 4-6 hours a month in person or virtual for one year.
What Exactly Is a Disability?
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- A disability is defined as “a physical, mental, [medical or environmental] impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.”
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
Interested in becoming a mentor?
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