Mentor a child ages 10-21 currently in foster care through Bellefaire JCB’s Mentoring Program.

Children and adolescents in foster care often have suffered a great deal of loss, emotional stress and disruption in their lives. These kids, more than anyone, need a stable, caring adult that they can count on ̶ someone who will be there just for them.

Bellefaire JCB’s Mentoring Program provides high quality, one-to-one mentoring services to young people ages 10-21 in permanent custody of the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Bellefaire matches the mentors and mentees according to preferences and common interests, along with providing supervision, training and support.

The expected time commitment is just 8 hours per month for a year, but we hope the special bond you develop with your match will last much longer. Mentors are reimbursed up to $100 per month for outings and mileage.

Requirements for Mentors:

• 21 years of age or older
• Reliable transportation, possession of a valid driver’s license, insurance and clean driving record
• Commit to all program requirements and needs of the youth
• Complete all pre-match screening and training, including background and TB/ drug testing and a three-hour orientation and training session.

Qualifications for Mentors:

• Ability to perform volunteer responsibilities with a high degree of initiative, consistency and independent judgment
• Practical and creative problem-solving skills
• Sensitivity in relating to persons of varying backgrounds; demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups of people with various strengths, aptitudes and abilities
• Demonstrated communication skills and effective interpersonal skills