Belonging is essential to the human experience.  Many people develop their sense of belonging through involvement in their local community. It can be challenging for anyone who is looking to become connected to one’s own community, especially those who feel they don’t have a strong network to assist them in the process.

We currently have a limited amount of grant money with which to promote inclusion through a newly developed mentor project.  

The mentor’s primary duty is assist the individual in becoming included in the opportunity of his or her choosing.  A simpler way to look at it; the mentor serves a “jumpstart”.  This may include but is not limited to; helping to make introductions; assisting the individual with networking; highlighting skill sets; assistance in understanding an organization’s culture; etc.  The goal is for the mentor to offer a short-term service that aims to increase the likelihood of the person’s continuation for a specific opportunity.    

For example, John Smith is interested in joining his local volunteer organization; however, John is extremely shy and feels uneasy meeting new people.  John decides that he wants to utilize the service of a mentor to assist him getting to know the other members of the organization.   The mentor and John meet and develop a strategy of how they want to approach meeting the other members.  John decides to attend an interest meeting with the mentor assisting him in introductions and highlighting John’s talents that might benefit the organization.   They decide to attend a few more meetings with the goal for mentor to decrease his level of assistance to John as he becomes more involved.  This could be accomplished in a number of ways.  For instance, John develops a defined role that benefits the organization.  Another way is the mentor identifies an existing member to serve as an unofficial mentor to John when the service ends. 

 More information regarding mentors can be found in the Mentor Profile.

For those interested in seeking mentor services, please follow the steps below:  

1.) Please fill out an Individual/ Family Questionnaire and submit it back to The Arc of Hunterdon.  (It is preferable that the individual complete or has an active role in filling out the profile.)

2.) Once the questionnaire is received, we will set up a meeting with the individual and identify what is being sought, providing guidance and potential opportunities, if necessary. 

Questions or concerns can be directed to Heather Clawson at heather@archunterdon.org or (908)-730-7837 ext 241.