Why be a mentor?
By introducing youth to new experiences and sharing positive values, mentors can help young people avoid negative behaviors
and achieve success.
Mentored Children are:
46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
37% less likely to skip a class
Who can be a mentor?
A mentor is someone who is compassionate, caring, and patient. Our youth value adults who are reliable and consistent, especially those youth who have only experienced the opposite. They are someone our youth can count on and look up to.
How much time is involved in mentoring?
Our goal is at least 1 hour a week or 4 and ½ hours a month. Being a mentor does involve time and commitment. We can be flexible to work with your schedule; however, the children have more free time on the weekends. We realize as time progresses you will develop lasting bonds with the kids and may want more time with them. As your relationship grows, off campus activities are allowed.
What are the children like?
The Vashti Center is licensed for children ages 11-18. They are very lovable youth who bond easily with caring adults. Each one is unique and special in his or her own way. However, the children have many things in common:
- Some have experienced a form of abuse.
- Some have been in several “out of home” placements.
- Most of the children are in the custody of the State of Georgia.
- All of them want to be back home with their “real” parents/guardians or, if they are old enough, independent and on their own.
Other common traits and problems are low self-esteem, poor performance in school, few friends, poor peer interactions, and lack of good judgment and distrust of adults. However, many of our children are musically talented, athletic, have a flair for writing poetry and short stories, are artistically creative, or have innate abilities to work well with and love animals.
At the end of the day, these are kids. Kids who are in need of love and support from caring and compassionate adults. Our mentoring program is one way we can provide this type of care.
It has made an impact in my life by having a mentor because it has made me feel like I have a family…to have somebody who was there for me…hard times or no matter what I was going through I could call them and that’s a big deal.
– Vashti Resident, age 18
I love my mentor. She makes my days better.
– Vashti Resident, age 16
Click here to begin your mentorship matching process!
Mentorship Resources
Encouragement from our Chaplain:
I am inspired by the Trappist monk Thomas Merton, who said, “Our job as Christians is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy.” The most central, most beautiful, and most challenging aspect of Jesus’ ministry was his absolute insistence that the good news, love, and blessing of God are intended for every single human person.
Mentoring a child at Vashti is an opportunity to love others as God has loved us. Ultimately, mentoring isn’t a one-way process. It’s a two-way street. It has the potential to change — indeed, to radically transform — not just one life, but two. We are transformed in both the receiving and giving of the love of Christ. I hope you consider being a part of the transformative work here at Vashti. We are excited to see the gifts you bring as a mentor and for your partnership in enriching the lives of the children and youth at Vashti Center. We need you!
Blessings,
Dr. Michael Carter, Sr.
Chaplain
Contact Us
THOMASVILLE OFFICE
1815 E Clay Street
Thomasville, GA 31792
(229) 226-4634
[email protected]
BAINBRIDGE OFFICE
232 W. Shotwell Street
Bainbridge, GA 39819
(229) 416-4618
[email protected]