Frequently Asked Questions
What do we do? Petaluma People Services Center’s Mentor Me values being in relationship with our young people. Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Our vision is that every young person has the consistent adult support needed to reach their highest potential and to thrive in school and in life. Utilizing our Mentoring for Success Model, we strive to make all children feel safe to connect with others and their community, feel empowered to grow into their highest potential and feel moved to contribute their talents to build a more positive world. As such, we also provide our young people with additional resources including group mentoring, tutoring and homework support, counseling referrals, enrichment activities, college and career counseling, food and clothing support, academic and legal intervention and advocacy. We are a non-profit, school and community-based organization with Federal Tax ID 94-2271299.
What does it take to be a mentor? Be available to volunteer one hour a week during the school year. Be available to make a two-year commitment to the program. Mentors receive initial orientation and on-going training. Experienced mentors and counselors are available to consult. Mentor Center Coordinators make the best mentor match possible and provide on-going supervision and support to the mentorships. Learn more about becoming a mentor.
What would I do as a mentor? Mentors essentially are just asked to spend time with their mentee.That could mean talking, laughing, reading, creating, playing games – just being together. These one hour get-togethers take place at the mentee’s school site or at our Cavanagh Rec Center.
Why do young people need mentors and how is this program good for the whole community? Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. As a result, the community becomes more cohesive with these cross-generational and often cross-cultural mentoring relationships. Yet one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.
What is the Mentor Me Cavanagh Recreation Center? In 2014, Mentor Me took over management of this 12,000 square foot community center owned by the City of Petaluma. After over $300,000 in renovations, the facility, which was built in 1959, has emerged as the go-to place for our mentees and their mentors, offering opportunities for educational enrichment (cooking classes, art/music programs, sports), for academic tutoring services and career exploration, and to receive college admissions coaching. In addition, the Center serves as the Mentor Me administrative offices and provides income for the organization by renting spaces within the facility for all kinds of events. The Mentor Me Cavanagh Recreation Center is located at 426 8th Street in Petaluma. We welcome the public to come in for a tour.
Where does your funding come from? Donations come from a mix of local individuals and businesses, which also give in-kind donations of goods and services. Corporate and foundation grants are also an important source of income. Businesses also contribute by matching employee donations and allowing employees time off in order to volunteer as mentors.
How can I help? YOU can support Mentor Me by signing up to become a mentor, attending our fundraising events, making a financial or goods/services donation or volunteering to assist in our office. Browse through our website to find out more or feel free to contact us at 707-765-8488 ext 108 or mentorme@petalumapeople.org. Thank you!