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Preparing for a New Year of Mentoring
As the end of summer approaches, we know that many programs are busy preparing by recruiting and screening volunteer mentors. This is a great time to build training into the schedule, to ensure that volunteers feel well informed and prepared for any challenges.
VMP is here as a resource for your training needs! Click here to review our calendar of trainings. To schedule a training for your program, email us. |
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Apply for Free Technical Assistance
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Are you looking to enhance your mentoring program practices? VMP provides customized consultation to assess and strengthen four key program areas: design, operations, management, and evaluation. VMP serves as the technical assistance provider for the region. This resource is provided by OJJDP and managed by MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. To receive these services, click here to fill out a request.
Questions? Email Director of Programs Rose Marie Wiegandt.
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Mentoring Providers Council
Members of the Mentoring Providers Council from Richmond, Northern Virginia and Norfolk convened last Thursday for their summer meeting. VMP Director of Programs Rose Marie Wiegandt facilitated conversations about mentoring program needs, resources VMP can provide, VMP's visibility across Virginia, and communications strategies.
Rose Marie comments: "The exchange of ideas and suggestions were greatly appreciated and will guide the work of VMP as we move into the busy season for mentoring programs. I am looking forward to implementing many of their ideas and continuing to work together to increase the quality of mentoring across the state of Virginia".
Thank you to those who attended! The Mentoring Providers Council (MPC) is designed to be a network of support and learning community for mentoring program Coordinators, Program Managers, and Directors. The MPC represents a cross-section of mentoring organizations varied in type, location and purpose in the Commonwealth and D.C.
Interested in learning more about the MPC or becoming a member? Contact Rose Marie Wiegandt for more information.
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Link to Learning
Why invest in mentor training? How important is it, and does it really make a difference? Research suggests that preparation is key to length of match and positive outcomes. Check it out!
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VMP Welcomes New VISTA Leader
VMP is pleased to welcome Taylor Innes as a VISTA leader for our fourth cohort. She is working with current leaders Vanessa Reyes and Tashara Void to prepare curriculum for training and professional development for the next year. Taylor was a member of VMP's third VISTA cohort, and served as a Mentoring Program Coordinator at Powhatan County Public Schools. She reflects on her experience:
 "The last year has been amazing and so eye opening. I was tasked with building a brand new mentoring program for Powhatan County Schools, which seemed daunting at first, but I was fortunate enough to recruit 20 of the most remarkable volunteers to match with our students. Every day was a new adventure. I truly enjoyed my time there, and I know I will miss the kids in my program - I already do! But I brought a few notes they wrote me to VMP to remind me to reflect on the positives and to always put forth my best effort."
Taylor is looking forward to her new role: "I am excited to lead the new cohort of VISTAs in their projects, as well as share their enthusiasm for the mentoring field."
We are glad to have you on board this year, Taylor!
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Let VMP Help Put Your Program on the Map
VMP is pleased to announce the newest feature on our website: a searchable, interactive map that will improve the visibility of your program in the mentoring community. This map will also serve as an effective marketing tool for your program and allow you to find and collaborate with other mentoring organizations both regionally and statewide.
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Upcoming Trainings
Why is training important in a mentoring relationship?
A trained mentor:
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Is better prepared and understands the expectations of the mentor role
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Understands the stages of the mentoring relationship
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Knows how to overcome challenges and difficult situations
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Understands the unique characteristics of elementary, middle and high school youth
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Sees VMP as a resource to support them during their mentoring experiences
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Is equipped with the tools and resources to be a great mentor and make a positive on a child's life
VMP has been busy working to provide more opportunities for individuals to participate in New Mentor Training. See our upcoming training schedule here.
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Program Spotlight: Goodwill GoodGuides Youth Mentoring Program
Every month, VMP will recognize the work and accomplishments of an outstanding program. Want us to feature your program's work? Let us know!
The GoodGuides® Youth Mentoring Program provides services for youth ages 12 to 17 through Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Inc. in Roanoke, Virginia. Their mentors commit to providing services to the mentees for a year with a commitment of 4 hours a month plus 2 hours of career exploration that is provided by GoodGuides. Currently there are 60 youth enrolled at their Roanoke site.
VISTA Mentoring Coordinator Mary Hubbart describes some recent highlights: "One of the most profound events we held this year was our Red Carpet Movie Premier entitled, 'The Heroes Among Us'. This event was in recognition of National Mentoring Month and we celebrated our mentors with an hour-long movie that showcased both mentors and mentees talking about their experiences in the program and thanking them for their commitment to our youth. Another wonderful experience was our Spring Break Youth Engagement and College tour to Memphis, TN. We took 30 mentees, along with staff and mentors, by charter bus to Memphis. We were given the opportunity to see where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. We toured the Rock and Soul Museum and went to Beale Street to enjoy the culture of the city. We visited the University of Memphis on our way out of the area and caught a quick glimpse of Graceland."
Program goals include "continuing to present unique opportunities for our youth, as well as to obtain more mentors and mentees."
Keep up the great work!
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Virginia Mentoring Partnership 2500 W. Broad St, Third Floor Richmond, VA 23220 804-828-1536 |
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Virginia Mentoring Partnership is a 501 (c) 3 organization that is supported by grants, corporate donations, individual donations and in-kind services. For more information or to support our organization please visit us at
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