1. Application
Once you have expressed an interest to a program, you will be contacted by M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. staff and asked to complete a written application. Both the mentee (youth) and mentor will be asked to complete applications.  Information such as interests, hobbies, availability, preferences, etc may be asked to assist in the matching process.

2. Interview
After an application is received and reviewed, potential mentors will be asked to participate in an interview with one or more M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. staff members. Sometimes we may require more than one interview; others may require an interview at the potential mentor's home.

3. Background checks
In order to ensure the safety of children in mentoring programs, background checks are essential.  Background checks are performed by the M.O.D.E.L.-P.C., and could include checking a potential mentor's criminal background history, driving record, references, the sex offender registry, the child abuse registry, etc.  As a potential mentor, you may be asked to provide references, your driver's license number, your social security number, or these checks may be done using your fingerprints.  All information obtained from you will remain confidential (e.g., your social security number will not be shared).

4. Orientation and Training
Once the interview and background checks are complete, you been accepted into the program, our staff will begin the process of matching you with a youth.  During this process, we will provide each mentor, mentee, and parent/guardian of the mentee orientation with training and support materials.  Trained staff or volunteers from the M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. will conduct these sessions, which are held prior to the match. The length and scope of this orientation and training process will is approximately 4 hours.  Orientation will outline the program and include information to clarify expectations, time commitment, and program benefits or rewards to all those involved. The program training for mentors may take place in one session. The training will offer more in-depth information on issues such as program policies and rules, roles and responsibilities, relationship building, age-appropriate activities, problem-solving skills, boundary setting, communication skills, etc.  In addition, ongoing training opportunities are offered for mentors as needed.

5. Matching Process and First Meeting
M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. seeks to create long-lasting, compatible relationships between the mentor and mentee.  Mentors and mentees are paired based on information such as common interests, hobbies, backgrounds, gender, availability, preferences, life experiences, temperament, etc. This information is obtained from both the mentor and mentee (or the mentee's parent/guardian) during the application and interview process.  Once the mentor has been successfully matched with a youth, and the orientation or training process is complete, the program will arrange for the mentor and youth to meet.  M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. staff will facilitate this meeting and help matches begin their relationship in a positive manner and to reduce anxiety for both the mentor and mentee. 

6. Ongoing Support
As you start meeting with your mentee on a regular basis, you may have questions or come across issues that need attention.  M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. has a process for monitoring and supporting mentoring matches.  This will include ongoing communication between M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. staff, mentors, and mentees to ensure that the match is going well and to address any issues the mentor or mentee may have. In addition, M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. will seek to support and recognize mentors in various ways, including recognition or appreciation activities, ongoing support, information on community activities, or structured events or social gatherings for matches to attend.  Of course, staff from M.O.D.E.L.-P.C. is available to address any concerns or questions you may have throughout the entire time you are matched with your mentee.