Senior Partner (SP)

If you’re a potential volunteer who wants to spend time with the youth in our community, then the Senior Partner role is a great option, not to mention a lot of fun! Senior Partners commit an average of three hours a week with the same youth (Junior Partner) for a minimum of one year in a one-to-one mentoring relationship called a Partnership. So what exactly does it mean to be in a mentoring relationship? Are you qualified? Here are a few activities that our Partnerships enjoy:

• Hiking
• Cooking
• Going to movies
• Attending sporting events
• Taking the family dog for a walk

If you enjoy activities such as these, then the three hours a week are a breeze. Our Senior Partners come in all shapes, sizes, ages and activity levels and also from a wide variety of vocations and backgrounds. It’s really about sharing who you are and hanging out with a youth in the community who just wants to spend some time having fun.

It’s amazing what a little time investment can mean to the youth in our community. The time our Senior Partners spend with their Junior Partners really does matter! Youth who spend one year in our program show:

• Increased levels of self-esteem
• Increased school performance
• More future-oriented thinking
• Decrease in negative attitudes and behaviors

And they’re not the only ones who benefit. Our Senior Partners find the experience not only fun, but very rewarding! The powerful influence of role models works both ways.
 
Senior Partners are also required to pass a thorough screening process, have consistent access to a vehicle, have a current driver's license and proof of auto insurance, have been a resident of the state of Colorado for at least 6 months and be at least 20 years old.

To begin the process of becoming a Senior Partners, contact Partners now.
 


How does Partners Mentoring Youth match the Partnerships?

Matches are made based on the needs of the child and on the personalities and interests of both the Junior Partner and Senior Partner. The youth are all referred to us by professionals in the community who work with youth and families in a counseling role, such as school counselors, private therapists, other human service agencies, etc. and their participation is voluntary.

Professional Case Management staff members carefully screen and evaluate any volunteer who wants to be a part of the program, and simultaneously get acquainted with the personalities and needs of each individual youth. These same Case Managers provide regular support and guidance to the new Partnerships to aid the growth of the friendship. In addition, Partnerships are also enhanced through the fun, organized activities, Life Skill trainings and community-service opportunities offered by the Partners program.