Mentoring

It has been found that mentoring, when combined with affordable housing, gainful employment, and meaningful activities, goes a long way to helping a returning citizen be productive in the community.

MPRI of Northwest Michigan collaborates with Project Unity for Life and other faith-based ministries to bring mentors into the lives of former prisoners.

Mentoring Organizations Collaborate to Improve Programs

A Mentoring Breakfast held in Traverse City was part of an ongoing effort to improve mentoring programs in Northwest Michigan. The event was organized by the Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative (PRI).

"One on one relationships is what it's all about," said Jim Rowlett, PRI Co-chairman. "That's how we help people make progress and succeed."

Representatives from a variety of organizations with mentoring programs attended the breakfast. A similar meeting last fall kicked off the effort to have those organizations work together to help each other. This meeting included a presentation by Michigan State University Extension Mentoring Specialist Lisa Bottomley. She talked about a variety of resources that are available to help organizations develop effective mentoring programs.

"If it's a formal mentoring program, there will be structure and boundaries and rules," said Bottomley. "Knowing what the appropriate constraints of your relationship are is really important."

The Mentoring Breakfast also included a review of a survey done to show the strengths of the region's mentoring programs along with the needs they all have. Knowing that will help them identify areas where they can work together.

"I think the more people collaborate, a potential volunteer can come in and find the right program for them," said Bottomley.

"We have a sense of collaboration, it absolutely exists," said Steve Wade, Co-Chairman of PRI's Mentoring Subcommittee. "If we're aware of the work that other people are doing, then there is a common bond-that safety net of services that we're all trying to build."

Mentors are Key to Overcoming Poverty

Bill Schramm grew up in poverty. By the time he was twelve years old he was homeless and living on his own. When he was 17 he dropped out of high school and faced the possibility of a long prison sentence. Schramm says a mentor helped him turn his life around. Watch the video to see why Schramm is a big believer in Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative mentors.

PUFL is a faith based community ministry created to stop the revolving door of incarceration; providing assistance to restore a positive life direction through relationship building, small groups, and mentoring programs.

Mentoring: This program of Project Unity for Life provides individual attention to those wishing to be more accountable and encouraged. Volunteers have advanced training specific to helping individuals set obtainable goals. A team approach is used to ensure that personality conflicts are held to a minimum and a vast base of knowledge is available to meet all needs.

Topics may include:

• Family Reunification
• Goals and Accountability
• Referral Resource
• Faith Connections
• Job and Career Skills

Project Unity for Life was recently recognized for their outstanding and dedicated volunteer services at the Northwest Michigan Regional Awards 2009 luncheon. Click here for more information.

Project Unity for Life volunteer, Tina Dane

TraverseBayPRI.org

Traverse Bay Poverty Reduction Initiative helps people out of poverty. The collaborative effort which consists of representatives from local businesses, public and government agencies, and concerned citizens utilizes "navigators" (mentors) to understand the needs of individuals to guide them toward the help and resources they may need.

More information is available at: www.TraverseBayPRI.org

Northwest Michigan MPRI Steering Team on Facebook