Community of Mentors Support Program known as Ten Steps Rites of Passage

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.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana (BGCNWI), will enhance their mentoring program in Focus Area 3 - adding or enhancing the training and support available to mentors. BGCNWI, in partnership with a larger coalition known as Community Organizations for Families and Youth (COFFY), and with current Department of Education Mentoring funding, collectively addresses various social service needs of Northwest Indiana. The coalition has served as the platform for member organizations to come together to intermingle their unduplicated services creating a 'Community of Mentors'. The goal of their efforts is to fill the gap for numerous 'at risk' children, ages 10-17, who do not have a safe place with caring adult guidance to help them transition from childhood to adulthood. BGCNWI will focus on providing support and training opportunities for their mentors to create and maintain lasting relationships with their program participants and caring adults. To ensure the highest levels of effectiveness of the proposed 'Community of Mentors Support Program,' the program evaluation will be comprised of multiple methodologies. Quantitative and qualitative methods will be employed, including formative and summative data collection. Quantitative methodologies will include collecting and assessing data on the percent of mentors successfully completing training, percent of trained mentors with increased knowledge of the program area, and the rate of mentor retention. CA/NCF