OUR MISSION
To strengthen youth mentoring programs through training, organizational consulting, and capacity building.
WHO WE ARE
MENTOR Central Ohio is a division of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and an affiliate of MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership.
WHAT WE DO
MENTOR guides organizations to improve mentoring capacity, sustainability and safety to fill the significant gap between resources and at-risk youth in our community. While MENTOR does not offer direct mentoring services, we empower, guide and support organizations in Central Ohio to strengthen mentoring programs.
HISTORY
Founded in 1994 and originally known as Mentorship Columbus and shortly after became The Mentoring Center of Central Ohio, Throughout changes in leadership and structure over the years, MENTOR Central Ohio merged with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio to fill the gap by providing services to improve the quality and quantity of mentoring.
SERVICES WE PROVIDE
–Consulting (Technical Assistance) to mentoring program staff to align with best practices yielding positive youth outcomes. Technical Assistance covers a broad range of topics including sustainability, recruitment, development planning, matching, goal – setting, monitoring and support, closure, and evaluation.
–Training for Program staff, Mentors, and Youth
- Mentors – training for mentors to be effective through cultural understanding and trauma-informed support
- Program Staff – support and training for mentoring program staff on evidence-based effective practices in accordance with The Elements of Effective Practice TM
- Youth workshops – Life skills for youth to support their continued growth on topics including time management, resiliency, career planning, bullying, and emotional management.
–Background Checks for partners – their mentors and program staff.
Now MENTOR Central Ohio, we are continuing to expand both our service menu and our reach with a goal of statewide coverage. Uniquely positioned as an intermediary, MENTOR Central Ohio does not offer mentoring services, rather we support the many individuals and organizations who do.