Matching volunteer mentors with adults working towards self-sufficiency
Abstract
The Helping Hands program at Cornerstone Outreach Center in Amarillo, Texas is a one-on-one mentoring program that helps people living in poverty become self-sufficient. Helping Hands is run by AmeriCorps*VISTA members and supported by an interfaith coalition of churches. Although this program is in the beginning phases (October 2001), a few clients have already secured and maintained employment, found housing, and learned the basic skills to become self-sufficient.Issue
Adults who are victims of povery often have many factors working against them. But oftentimes this complex cycle can be broken through the aim of self-reliance. Using mentors in a one-on-one situation works well in helping to achieve this goal, as the situations and personalities of those labeled "impoverished" are widely divergent.
Action
Potential clients of the Helping Hands program first answer a brief survey to determine their interest in personal development. Clients must show an inclination toward changing their lives and be agreeable to working with a mentor in order to receive assistance from the Helping Hands program. Helping Hands also receives referred potential clients from its parent organization, Cornerstone Outreach Center, as well as the Texas Department of Human Services.Mentors and clients set short and long term goals that will eventually lead to the clients' desired outcomes (e.g., a better paying job, obtaining a GED). Mentors meet with their clients an average of once a week, however this can vary greatly depending on the needs of the client. Mentors remain with clients as long as they are actively working toward their goals. After clients successfully achieve their goals, mentors periodically conduct follow-up assessments to verify progress has been sustained.
Mentors choose their clients based on the type of goals desired, the estimated length of the project, and the preferred gender of the client. Personalities and other variables will also be considered, as all clients are interviewed several times before a match is made.
Ideal mentors have a relative amount of stability in their own lives, a genuine heart to help others, and an aptitude to stick with the project. Past counseling experience is helpful, but not necessary. All mentors participate in a training course presented by Helping Hands and receive a training manual, which helps establish guidelines for being a mentor.
Many of the Helping Hands mentors are people who receive assistance from Cornerstone and view their volunteer work as a way to reciprocate the generosity of others.
- Employment: The AmeriCorps*VISTA members serving with Helping Hands offer a four-week job training class and Cornerstone provides job placement and referrals.
- Education: Cornerstone provides an on-going GED class.
- Housing: Mentors can refer clients to applicable services.
- Self-esteem: Clients bolster their self-esteem as they achieve their goals, and mentors serve as role models.
- Child care: Mentors can refer clients to applicable services.
- Transportation: Mentors may provide temporary assistance while a long-term solution is sought.
- Food supply and preparation: Food is provided by Cornerstone as needed until a degree of self-sufficiency is attained. Food preparation assistance is available through an extension agency.
- Support groups: The AmeriCorps*VISTA program offers support groups for clients to discuss the challenges and achievements of becoming self-sufficient. Recognition and award presentations for clients and mentors are given.
- Stability: The client-mentor relationship, as well as the services offered by Cornerstone, provides a sense of stability for clients.
Context
Cornerstone Outreach Center in Amarillo, Texas, provides food, clothing, counseling, GED preparation, and job placement to at least 200 families each week. The governing board of Cornerstone consists of representatives from several local churches of various denominations. These churches provide the financial support for Cornerstone and their members provide a major source of volunteer energy for the Helping Hands program and other community service projects. Helping Hands of Grace is an AmeriCorps*VISTA program within the Cornerstone Outreach Center.
The program began in April of 2001 with four AmeriCorps*VISTA members; in fall of 2001 they are seeking to add up to six more AmeriCorps*VISTA members. Additionally, seven Cornerstone staff and volunteers provide various levels of support to the project.The majority of Helping Hands clients are single, white females with an average of three children each, residing in the most impoverished area of Amarillo, Texas. Fifty-nine percent of clients have less than twelve years of formal education.
Outcome
Although this program is in the beginning phases, a few clients have already secured and maintained employment, found housing, and learned the basic skills to become self-sufficient. These clients have reduced their dependence on government aid.The Helping Hands program is in the process of compiling a book of community resources to be used as an aid for their mentors. They hope to eventually make it available to all community members.Posted On
October 1, 2001For More Information