Family Services of NW PA is thrilled to have not one, but two strong mentoring programs that serve youth and young adults in our community – Big Brothers Big Sisters and North Star Mentoring.
National Mentoring Month is an annual celebration that recognizes and raises awareness for the power of mentoring, with a national call to action to recruit new mentors.
Why Become a Mentor?
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.
According to MENTOR, young adults with a mentor are:
- 55% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school
- 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
- 90% are interested in becoming a mentor
- 130% more likely to hold leadership positions
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Family Services of NW PA
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Family Services of NW PA is an evidence-based mentoring program that helps children realize their potential and build their futures by creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The program provides adult role models to children ages 6 through 13 years old in Erie and Western Crawford Counties.
Volunteer Qualifications:
- At least 18 years old
- Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and car insurance (must carry $100,000/$300,000 Bodily Injury Coverage)
- Commitment of at least one year as a volunteer
- Complete application, assessment and training process in a timely manner
- Successfully obtain criminal background and child safety clearances
Become a Mentor:
To learn more and sign up to become a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Family Services of NW PA, visit www.BeABigErie.org, or contact:
Heather Filson, Program Supervisor
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Family Services of NW PA
5100 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
Email: hfilson@fsnwpa.org
Phone: 814.866.4631
North Star Mentoring of Erie County Independent Living Program
North Star Mentoring of Erie County Independent Living Program helps young people ages 14 through 23 with a history of foster care and/or out of home placement to make permanent connections with positive adult role models.
Volunteer Qualifications:
- At least 24 years old
- Commitment of at least one year as a volunteer (at least four hours each month)
- Attend professional trainings (3 hours initially and others as needed)
- Reliable transportation, proof of car ownership, and car insurance
- Successfully obtain child abuse clearance, criminal record clearances, and FBI fingerprinting
Become a Mentor:
To learn more and sign up to become a mentor with North Star Mentoring of Erie County Independent Program, visit www.northstarmentoring.org, or contact:
Kellie Tate, Mentoring Specialist
Independent Living Program
240 West 11th Street, Suite 402
Erie, PA 16501
Email: ktate@fsnwpa.org
Phone: 814.814.1777
The Erie County Independent Living Program is a contractual and collaborative arrangement between Family Services of NW PA, Bethesda Lutheran Services, and the Erie County Office of Children and Youth (OCY). OCY contracts with both Family Services of NW PA and Bethesda to provide jointly the direct services of the Erie County Independent Living Program (ECILP) to youth aged 14-23.
