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Boys 2 Men is a
one-on-one mentoring program that matches one boy with one man.
The program is similar to Big Brothers, but with a Christian
focus.
Those applying as
mentors must have 3 references: from pastor, employer, &/or
community or church leader. ECCC reserves the right to
require a background check on all applicants.
Mentors sign a contract
for a one year commitment with one boy.
Parents/guardians sign a
permission form.
The young man will also
sign a contract that not only commits to one year with his mentor, but
also includes personal information about his family life, interests,
goals, and expectations of his mentor.
Each mentor is required
to meet with his young man weekly.
A phone call between visits is also advised.
If there are extenuating
circumstances, the mentor will have permission to substitute a visit
with a phone call. However,
this can only be a rare exception.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
 | Once
a month the mentor will fill out an “accountability” form to
give an account of his weekly visits.
There will also be room for comments. |
| The
young man will also fill out a monthly form to help us evaluate his
progress. |
QUARTERLY
MEETING: Four
times a year all mentoring relationships will join together for a meal
and time of sharing. We may
also plan an outing of interest to all concerned.
This meeting with not count towards the weekly
face-to-face visits.
GOALS:
Relationship:
The initial goal for the mentor is to establish a trusting
relationship. Without
this, nothing can be accomplished.
This will be achieved by the faithfulness of the mentor.
Once the young man knows that his mentor really cares
about him, then he will begin to open up.
There is no way to determine how long this process will take.
Some boys have hardened their hearts while others are more
tender and ready. It is
important that the mentor NOT get impatient during this process.
Conceivably, it could take
an entire year to build a trusting relationship.
Guidance:
Once the young man opens up, the mentor will be able to
guide him in a specific direction that meets the young man’s needs
and that helps the young man set/achieve his goals.
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Practical:
A young man may need help with homework, family problems, finding
the right college, girlfriend troubles, finding a part-time job,
learning how to maintain a car / minor household repairs, or
practicing sports. You
are not required to be an expert in all these, but the mentor can
try to find someone who does know.
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Spiritual:
We trust that you will be led by the Holy Spirit and do not force
your faith on him. When
a young man is ready to hear the gospel, he will usually start
asking questions. You
are Jesus to your young man; how you act will say more
than a sermon ever will. As
the saying goes, “By all
means preach the gospel, and if necessary use words.”
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WHAT
MENTORING IS NOT: The mentor will not be responsible for purchasing gifts and giving the boy money.
We do expect the mentor to pay for all outing expenses (meals at
Burger King or ticket to a game, etc.)
If the young man starts asking for money or gifts, the mentor must
report this to us immediately.
IDEAS
FOR VISITS:
(Best
to keep your visits “interactive” instead of watching movies - for
example - that do not encourage conversation.)
| Meal
at a fast food restaurant |
| Go
to a sports game |
| Visit
the mentor’s work |
| Fishing |
| Shooting
hoops |
| Bike
riding |
| Taking
walks |
| Hiking
at a state park |
| Swimming |
| Showing
the young man how to do yard work,
household repairs, and/or car maintenance |
| Go
to your young man’s games or other school/community events in
which he is participating |
| Give
the young man a ride home from school |
| On
a school day, arrange to meet your young man for lunch. |
| Have
the young man in your home: for supper with your wife, just to hang
out, or to learn a skill |
| Play
games: cards, dominoes, chess, checkers, other board games or
computer games |
| Discuss
Letters to a Young Black Man
by Daniel Whyte |
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