The mission of Gunnison Valley Mentors is to promote the healthy growth of young people through one-to-one mentoring relationships and enrichment opportunities. GVM works to empower youth in our community to make positive life choices that enable them to maximize their potential through the guidance and advocacy of caring, pro-social role models. We offer free monthly recreational group activities such as skiing, rafting, crafts, movies and so much more.
Making a Referral for a Youth:
- The registration process begins with a referral from an adult in a child’s life who sees that a Mentor would be a benefit to the child.
- After completing the form, a staff member from Gunnison Valley Mentors may reach out for more information.
- Parents/Guardians will be contacted for any other paperwork needed.
- Please contact a Staff member for any questions or call 970-641-5513 to reach our office.
- Printable Referral click Here
School Based Mentoring Program Description:
This school-based mentoring program was developed to support students who can benefit from the extra assistance. School mentoring relationships are based on improving a student's school success. Student will be referred by teachers or counselors. Once referred, student will be matched with a trained volunteer from our community. The mentor will spend at least one hour per week helping with social/emotional skills, study skills, organization, homework completion and subject retention. This program has been available to students since 2006 and since that time students in the program have shown statistically significant grade improvement from being a part of the program.
Creating School-Based Mentoring Success:
- Meeting during school/after-school for a minimum average of 1-2 hours per week for the remainder of the school year.
- Each match will do their best to get to know, respect, trust and communicate with one another.
- The Mentee will share school successes, grades, test scores and other needs with the Mentor.
- If it is not possible to meet when previously scheduled it is up to the Mentor or Mentee to notify one another in advance to re-schedule the meeting.
- Parents/Guardians will be kept in the loop with phone calls and emails to update progress and express any concerns. Parents/Guardians are also more than welcome to reach out anytime to the Case Manager.
Community-Based Mentoring Program Description:
The point within a Community-Based match is to develop a strong supportive relationship through having FUN! With this program we provide fun and free group activities every month! We also offer an after-school enrichment program in the 8th St. School mentoring center. Case Manager will contact you with more information. There is another option in case we need to talk more about customizing for a specific student.
Creating Community-Based Mentoring Success:
- Spend a minimum average of 3 hours per week for the remainder of the year.
- Each match will do their best to get to know, respect, trust and communicate with one another.
- Monthly group activities and/or service projects are offered for Mentorships to attend together.
- Mentors, Youth and Guardians will coordinate with each other about meeting times and duration.
- If it is not possible to meet when previously scheduled it is up to the Mentor, Mentee and Parents/Guardians to notify one another in advance to re-schedule the meeting.
- Parents/Guardians will be kept in the loop with phone calls and emails to update progress and express any concerns. Parents/Guardians are also more than welcome to reach out anytime to the Case Manager.
Are you a School Counselor/Teacher and referring a youth for a mentoring program?
Checklist:
- Contact family about referring youth to Gunnison Valley Mentors.
- Inform the family that Gunnison Valley Mentors may contact them by phone, email, or sending additional paperwork home with youth. (or you can email this link to the family if they are more comfortable with that for school-based mentoring programs. Parent Paperwork)
- Release of information has been completed before starting this referral.
Release/Receive Information:
Authorizing the release of contact information, school records and grade information to Gunnison Valley Mentors. By the school via email, Powerschool, IEP or personal contact regarding youth being referred.