TeenWorks Mentoring

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becoming a member of the teenworks community is as simple as 1...2...3..

1.) DOWNLOAD OR REQUEST A MENTEE INFORMATION FORM and Mail

• Ask for a copy of the TeenWorks Mentee Application form: info@twmentoring.com.

• Become a MENTEE: Complete an application form here. (Easiest way to apply)

• Parent/Guardian Request form. (email request to info@twmentoring.com or go here).

• Fill out the form and mail to: P.O. Box 3802, Sonora, CA 95370

2.) We will Set up a time to meet with a TeenWorks staff so we can get to know you!

• Contact us at info@twmentoring.com or (209) 602-8781 (Executive Director) if you have any questions.

3.) BE faithful in showing for your scheduled activity or a meeting with your mentor

• We look forward to hanging out with you!

Joining Teenworks FAQ

How do I get a mentor?

Youth are referred to TeenWorks by various community agencies and individuals such as school counselors, Department of Social Services, Juvenile Probation Department , Tuolumne County Office of Education Cal-Safe Program and others. You or your parent or guardian may apply directly to request a mentor.

Each youth (mentee) is matched with an adult volunteer (mentor) who is recruited, screened, trained, and supervised by TeenWorks. The mentor makes a commitment to spend a minimum of 1-2 hours a week for one year working with his or her Mentee Partner. The mentors serve as friends, advocates, and role models to the mentees with the hope of forging life-long positive relationships.

My child is involved in one of the agencies listed above or a local school, and I’m not sure who to contact at the school or organization?

You can contact TeenWorks at info@twmentoring.com or call us at (209) 840-9044 and we will get you in contact with the right person.

What is the age range of youth TeenWorks serves?

TeenWorks typically serves youth ages 12-19; should you have a child outside that age range please contact us as we may be able to serve the youth based on other factors or direct your towards another organization or service in Tuolumne County.

What qualifies a youth to be “at-risk”?

Some examples include, but are not limited to: single-parent homes, substance abuse issues, incarcerated parent, low socioeconomic status, lack of parental involvement, and delinquency.

If I have limited or no transportation can my child still participate in TeenWorks?

Yes. It is not mandatory to have transportation. We will strive to do whatever we can to foster a healthy mentor relationship although you may have limited resources.

Is there a cost associated with TeenWorks?

No, TeenWorks is a non-profit organization who provides volunteer mentors. Although, some group activities and events have associated fees, TeenWorks pays for these events through grants and private donations.

I noticed TeenWorks is a “Christian-based” organization. Does the youth need to attend a church or be of a specific faith group?

No. Although, Teenworks recruits the majority of volunteer mentors from various churches throughout our community there is no requirement to attend church or be involved in a faith group. In fact we do not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, or socioeconomic status. TeenWorks’ main focus is to provide a healthy and positive role model through a one-on-one mentor relationship.

Is TeenWorks a nationally recognized organization?

No. TeenWorks was formed in 2002 by a small group of Christian men in Tuolumne County who had a vision and desire to serve the “fatherless” in their community, specifically teen boys. Since that time the program has expanded to serve both “at-risk” boys and girls.

If I live outside of Tuolumne County could my child still participate in TeenWorks?

We currently focus on serving youth in Tuolumne County, but hope to expand our service area as our program grows. Please contact us (info@twmentoring.com) to see if we can provide a mentor for your child if you live outside Tuolumne County or we may able to refer you to a similar program in your local community.

How do I know the volunteer mentors you provide for the youth are of the highest quality and safe for my child to be around?

TeenWorks has an extensive recruitment and screening process which includes, criminal history checks, fingerprinting, reference checks, DMV checks, and a full home interview process. Although, this is a lengthy process in recruiting mentors, TeenWorks strives to provide a healthy and most importantly safe environment for our youth.

How do I know my child will be matched with a mentor he/she connects with?

Although there is no guarantee all new matches will succeed, TeenWorks has trained staff that specifically work on matching your child with a mentor. There are several factors that come into play, but the most important is finding a mentor with like-minded interests and/or hobbies.

How often should I expect my child to spend time with his/her mentor?

All our mentors have committed to spending an average of 1-2 hours a week with their mentee. Although, this may vary you can expect 1-2 hours a week or more depending on the activity or event planned.

What are some of the typical activities the mentor and mentee participate in together?

Each relationship can be quite different based on interests and hobbies. But, some of the more common activities include: lunch, dinner, coffee, going to see a movie, going on a walk/hike, fishing, helping with homework.

Once a referral has been submitted how long should I expect before my child is matched up with a mentor?

This time frame can vary, but expect 1- 2 months. One or our biggest challenges is recruiting enough quality mentors, and we strive to make a match that has a high chance to succeed; so unfortunately this process can take some time. Remember our goal is to build a mentor relationship that will last years into the future or even a life-time.

Does TeenWorks carry liability insurance in case of an accident?

Yes. Though injuries to participants of TeenWorks are extremely rare, TeenWorks carries liability insurance that covers mentees and mentors that serves as a secondary form of insurance. TeenWorks has an accident policy that pays a limited amount for medical treatment as a result of an injury.