SHARE.Mentor is made possible through a three-year Mentoring Children of Prisoners Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services distributed in Indiana by the Indiana Youth Services Association (IYSA). Over $150 million nation-wide distributed from the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Grant.

Why participate in SHARE.Mentor?

Research shows that children of imprisoned parents are:

• More likely to experience poverty, violence, substance abuse, school failure, and drop-out

Research also shows that children who are mentored:

• Skip school less often
• Are more likely to go to college
• Have better attitudes toward school
• Are less likely to use drugs and drink alcohol
• Are more trusting of parents and other adults
• Are less likely to hit someone
• Receive higher grades
• Have a more positive outlook on the future

As a volunteer:

• You'll learn. Mentoring can help you gain a fresh and different outlook on life.
• You'll have a chance to pay back those that have impacted your life.
• You'll leave the world better than you found it.
• You'll develop positive relationships.

Is SHARE.Mentor right for you?

To be mentored, children need to:

• Be age 4-15
• Have at least one parent or caregiver sentenced to incarceration with the State or Federal Department of Correction
• Reside in Tippecanoe County
• Have an interest in being mentored

To be a mentor, volunteers need to:

• Be age 20 or older
• Be a good listener, non-judgmental, patient, and fun
• Make a commitment of 1 year, 2 hours per week, in a mentoring relationship

Through SHARE.Mentor:

• Each child will be paired with one adult, matched based on common interests and hobbies
• Activities will take place in the community 1-2 hours per week

To find out more about this program or to volunteer to be a mentor contact Shakoor Ward at sward@cfrc.org.