Mentor Iowa

Mentor Iowa asks volunteers to spend a minimum of 6 hours every 30 days with their mentee. Most volunteers average weekly contact, either by telephone or in person. Volunteers are asked to spend one-on-one time with their mentee, as well as incorporate the child, as long as the mentor is comfortable, into some of the mentor's regular routines. Things like going grocery shopping or doing errands, things that most would consider "normal" are what the children are missing and want to be a part of. There is a two part training class that volunteers must complete. Volunteers must also pass background checks.

The mission of Mentor Iowa is to provide trained volunteer mentors to abused, neglected, and delinquent children who are under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court. We will do this by working in partnership with the children, their families and the community.

Mentor Iowa recruits, screens, trains, and matches volunteer mentors to work with youth who are referred to our program through the Juvenile Justice System. Our one-to-one child/mentor pairs are encouraged to meet on a weekly basis. The program offers group activities once every month for both matched children and children waiting for a match.