BRIDGEMENTOR PROGRAM

Imagine being a teenager coming to a country where everything is different. Imagine being placed into public school based on your age where you must adapt to a new culture and catch up with other students.

Many refugees who are new to the U.S struggle academically, culturally, and socially, and without support, their struggle may lead to other issues including dropping out school. We are looking for mentors who will work new Mainer’s youth to be a positive role model for youth in our community.

MEIRS Bridge Mentoring program focuses on meeting the unique needs of refugee youth as they adapt to life in our new country, state, and city. The youth mentoring program will help refugee youth in gaining deeper insight into American culture, exploring, and engaging with their new community and achieving self- sufficiency. Youth will be paired with a mentor for at least six months where they meet for a minimum of 8 hours a month to work on goals together. Youth mentees set their own goals based on their needs and utilize mentors with educational support, career guidance, learning the culture, practicing language, friendship while retaining their culture, tradition, and religion. Mentees can choose short term and long-term goals to work.

BECOME A MENTEE

Mentees are matched with a mentor who is trained and supported to provide the following services:

• A positive role model you can connect with on a weekly basis
• A mentor who will help you develop opportunities and activities to promote social and life skills
• Opportunities for social engagement with peers
• Learning about American culture while maintaining and celebrating cultural heritage
• Learning about civic and community service activities
• Get help with your academics (educational support in English, math, and other subjects)
• Learning about careers (resume building and workforce skill development opportunities available)
• Learning about basic financial management.

If you are interested in having a Bridge Mentor, please email bridgementoring@meirs.org.

If you are ready to make a difference by becoming a Mentor, click here.

If you are new to the area and would like to request mentor services, click here.