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MENTORING MATTERS
For Those Who Care About Kids
May 2009 
 
 ARTICLES IN THIS EDITION
 
 
Summer Job Opportunities For Teens  -  Summer job opportunities for teenagers will increase as a result of the stimulus package passed by Congress late last year. We wanted to (Read More) .....

Don't Forget to Celebrate at Year End -  The Mentoring Partnership thinks that both fun and recognition are vitally important in sustaining healthy, vibrant mentoring programs. We recommend (Read More) .......

Don't Forget About Closure - Some of your mentees will be moving on to other schools. Others may be relocating to other districts. And - mentors move on as well. Regardless - it's important that all mentoring relationships end on a positive note. Here is (Read More) .......
 
SummerJobs Summer Job Opportunities For Teens
 
Summer job opportunities for teenagers will increase as a result of the stimulus package passed by Congress late last year. We wanted to reproduce this somewhat self explanatory announcement from the Suffolk County Department of Labor. We believe many young people in mentoring programs across Suffolk County would qualify under their family income guidelines and we trust those of you who interact with these young people will spread the word.
 
For 40 years, the Suffolk County Department of Labor has run Summer Work Experience Programs.  These programs give young people the chance to work and earn their own money. 
 
Young people will be employed near their homes as clerical aides, day care workers, building maintenance workers, etc. in schools, governmental offices, camps and community organizations.  For those who like to work outside, we have jobs as recreation workers and conservation workers.
 
Dates:               July 6-August 21, 2009
Salary:              $ 7.50/hr
Work Week:      25 hours
 
Eligibility: 
        

Youth ages 14 to 24
United States Citizen or Eligible Alien 
Families receiving public assistance and/or food stamps
are automatically eligible for this program

 
Family Income May Not Exceed the Limits Posted Below
                                     
       Family Size                             Annual Income
             1                                         $21,660             
             2                                         $29,140             
             3                                         $36,620            
             4                                         $44,100              
             5                                         $51,580
             6                                         $59,060
             7                                         $71,480
             8                                         $78,960
 
 
For further information, call the
Suffolk County Department of Labor at
(631) 853-6526
 
 
CelebrationsDon't Forget to Celebrate at Year End
 
The Mentoring Partnership thinks that both fun and recognition are vitally important in sustaining healthy, vibrant mentoring programs. We recommend that you start planning a way for your program to end the school year by celebrating.
 
Year end celebrations can be fun without the need to spend lots of money. For programs with absolutely no funding, often it's a case of having each adult contribute five dollars. A little pizza, something to drink and simple games go a long way in creating the appropriate celebratory mood. Certificates of Achievement can be produced off the Internet and awarded to mentors and mentees alike. Everyone appreciates being recognized.
 
Think of inviting your local legislative representative to the party. It's important our politicians recognize the vital role all of you are playing in your communities and their districts.
ClosureDon't Forget About Closure
 
Some of your mentees will be moving on to other schools. Others may be relocating to other districts. And - mentors move on as well. Regardless - it's important that all mentoring relationships end on a positive note. Here is some useful information that can help guide your mentors through the process of closure. 

The Good News & The Bad News About Closure:
 
The Bad news:              
 
 ¨Separations can bring up negative feelings: loss, rejection, mourning and even anger."
                                   
 ¨Separations that are handled badly can negatively impact on self-esteem."
 
The Good news: 
          
 ¨Separations can also include positive feelings: satisfaction and accomplishment about desired goals being met."
                                   
 ¨Separations and feelings can be managed, worked through and accepted." 
 
Stages of Positive Match Closure
 
Notification: 3-4 weeks notice of specific date that the mentoring will come to an end.

Process The Ending: Reminisce, review, recall and reflect on what has happened during the mentoring experience.

Capturing The Gains: Focus on the positive elements and experiences that were part of the mentoring experience. Identify how you and your mentee can pull together what happened, and what it has meant to each of you.

Planning For The Future: Plan for what will happen after the match ends. 
      
Celebration: Consider appropriate ending ritual. Incorporate celebration of the mentoring experience into the celebration. 
 
If you wish to discuss specific closure issues relevant to your program or any particular match, feel free to call Franca Floro at (631) 761-7800. 

LOGO  CHANGE YOUR LIFE! BE A MENTOR.