Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $492,651)
This solicitation invites eligible applicants to propose research and evidence-based enhancements to mentoring programs based on three strategies: (1) involving the parents and family in activities and services, (2) delivering structured activities and programs for the mentoring matches, and (3) developing training and support for mentors. Research studies and evaluations of best practices have indicated that mentoring programs that provide multiple modes of treatment addressing both individual and environmental characteristics tend to be the most effective. This initiative is authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2009, Pub. L. No. 111-8.
Helping Services For Northeast Iowa, Inc. will enhance their current mentoring program in this initiative's Focus Area 2 - adding or enhancing the structured activities or opportunities for the mentor and mentoring participants. Mentoring Plus will enhance seven established and collaborative mentoring programs in the rural counties of Allamakee, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek in northeast Iowa . The program will target youth ages 5 ' 17 who are at risk of entering or are already in the juvenile justice system. The project will focus on strengthening the mentoring matches through structured activities and programs. The strategies include increasing the number of activities/programs offered to matches; providing mentors with skill-building modules to use with youth participants; and providing mentors with resources to assist youth in engaging in a special interest as a part of the match. The program will also offer activities for families, a class for parents of youth participants, and training on at-risk youth for mentors. Expected short-term objectives include increased structure in the mentoring match and increased skills of mentors to work with at-risk youth. Intermediate outcomes include a more positive attitude of the youth about school and learning, increased youth self-confidence and ability to avoid at-risk behavior, and increased ability of parents to support the match. Progress will be measured by pre/post testing, mentee surveys, and school/parent/mentor surveys or reports. CA/NCF