Mentoring Matters invests in families and the future of the South Philadelphia community by matching community mentors with children who have an incarcerated parent. Mentoring Matters promotes family health and unity, and supports mentors as they listen, encourage, and inspire youth to achieve academic and emotional success.
Mentees are between the ages of four and eighteen. Mentors and mentees meet for one hour each week over the course of a year at one of four South Philadelphia Beacon sites. They play games, do homework, or just hang out. They also have the option of off-site mentoring, which allows them to enjoy Philadelphia together.
Additionally, mentors, mentees and staff get together for group outings, such as 76ers and Phillies games, Kimmel Center concerts, barbeques and pizza parties.
Locations
• EducationWorks Beacon of Grays Ferry at the Salvation Army
3225 Reed Street (32nd & Reed)
Philadelphia, PA 19146
• United Communities Southeast Philadelphia Beacon at Bok H.S.
1900 S. 8 th Street (8th & Mifflin)
Philadelphia, PA 19148
• Wordsworth Beacon at Barratt Middle School
1599 Wharton Street (16th & Wharton)
Philadelphia, PA 19146
• Diversified Community Services Beacon at Vare Middle School
2100 S. 24 th Street (24th & Snyder)
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Volunteer Mentor Requirements
We have an ongoing need for volunteer mentors, especially males.
To be a mentor, you must:
• be at least 18 years of age
• pass a Criminal Background Check and Child Abuse History Clearance, (an additional FBI fingerprinting is required for off-site mentoring, as well as a copy of your driver's license and insurance if you will be transporting your mentee in your car)
• submit 3 character references
• attend a two hour United Way Basic Mentor Training (located at 17 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia)
• commit to spending one hour per week for a year with your mentee
Contact Information
For more information, or to get involved, please call 215-952-8599.
