Angels Camp, CA…The Calaveras Community Foundation has awarded a grant to the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program to cover the costs of volunteer fingerprinting in the program’s 2018-19 budget. The grant will support at least seven new volunteers being matched with local young people. “We are very grateful for the continuing support of our local community foundation,” said Katie Lackler, coordinator of the Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program. “Our program is dedicated to Best Practices for mentoring, and the screening process is an integral part.”

The Calaveras Youth Mentoring Program is in its 15th year of matching eager local youth with volunteer mentors. The Calaveras County Office of Education administers the Mentoring Program, but it is funded through grants and donations and supported by the nonprofit Calaveras Mentoring Foundation.

The Mentoring Program uses the most intensive screening process available for its volunteers, including interviews, fingerprinting, personal references, Megan’s law research, DMV and insurance record review, and home visits. The program connects local youth with safe, positive mentors who offer friendship, opportunity, and support for making healthy life decisions. Once matched, mentors and mentees agree to spend at least a couple of hours a week together doing things they both enjoy— anything from fishing, to cooking, to exploring local caves or visiting the library. Mentors receive extensive pre-match training and additional training throughout the year, plus regular monitoring of the friendship, as-needed support, and invitations to group field trips and events.

The Mentoring Program offers information sessions frequently as a commitment-free way for interested community members to learn more about mentoring. We are actively seeking mentors in all areas of Calaveras County. To RSVP for an information session, or to learn more about the program, please call (209) 736-6078 or visit calaverasmentoring.org.
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