Moms Mentoring Program

            This program is designed to help young females who have lost the physical and/or emotional support of their mothers.  The purpose is to provide these females with a positive female who can be a mother figure to them, because such a void (of the mother) is significant and can be detrimental in their lives.

          The girls will be referred to our program.  There are a large number of people that are in positions to make referrals such as the guardian, psychologists, school personnel, clergy, etc.  Once we receive a referral, a meeting will be set up between the guardian and the program manager.  The purpose of this meeting is to complete a family assessment, discuss any presenting needs of the child, and discuss expectations and possible concerns that the guardian may have about the program.  Next, a meeting will be set up between the guardian, the program manager, and the child.   It is here that the child will be educated about our program and questions will be answered. 

          Women who express an interest in being a volunteer mother will receive an informational packet in the mail (a child abuse clearance and a criminal history clearance will be included in this packet).  Once they have read over the information and are ready to make a commitment, they will contact our office to set up an initial interview with our program manager.  The purpose of this interview is to get to know each other and7 to address any questions or reservations that the volunteer may have about the program.  Once the clearances are received (free of violations), a meeting will be set up between the program manager, the volunteer and the guardian of the child.  This meeting will address introductions and expectations from the volunteer and the guardian (in relation to each other).  Next, a meeting between the program manager, the volunteer, the guardian, and the child will take place.  From then on it will be up to the volunteer to schedule times directly with the guardian to meet with the girl.  The volunteers will meet with their ‘daughter’ a minimum of three hours per week.     

           In addition to the volunteer/client get-togethers, our organization will hold a function once every other month for the girls.  Through these gatherings we will provide education to the girls on an array of issues including, but not limited to:  changes in the female body, bonding, forgiving, dealing with life’s losses, and abstinence.  It is also through these gatherings that we hope to connect the girls with others who have similar circumstances as themselves. We will serve any person who is a female and has lost the support of her mother, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, or economic status.

           Our mentoring program is now being handled through the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Please follow this link for information on how to become a mentor, or on how to refer a mentee.You may download the application here.

Contact Information for Penn State Cooperative Extension

Valerie Manganello
Extension Educator
Workforce Development
PO Box 530
463 North Perry Highway
Mercer, Pa. 16137
Office:  724-662-3141
Email:  vam3@psu.edu