Getting Ahead Mentors
Overview
COVID-19 Information: GECAC offices are closed to the public due to COVID-19 but our dedicated staff is serving clients via phone, email, and virtual. Call 814-459-4581 Ext. 422 to speak to a Getting Ahead staff member. Getting Ahead mentorships are taking place via phone and email.
GECAC's Getting Ahead is an Erie Together program that focuses on the elimination of poverty in Erie County. The mission is to provide low-income individuals and returning citizens with the tools needed to become independent and provide for themself and their families. Upon completion of a 10-week program on how to "Get Ahead" when living in poverty, participants are paired with a mentor who offers support and acts as a positive role model, while working to fulfill their goals and get ahead.
As a Mentor you will offer:
- Mentors share their knowledge, experiences, and wisdom.
- Contacts. Mentors provide valuable opportunities by facilitating academic, career, and personal contacts.
- Mentors stimulate curiosity and build confidence by presenting new ideas, opportunities, and challenges.
- Mentors encourage growth and achievement by providing an open and supportive environment.
- Goal Setting. Mentors help Participants discover talents and interests and define and attain their goals.
- Mentors guide Participants in reaching academic, career, and personal goals.
- Role Models. By sharing stories of achievement with Participants, Mentors can become role models.
Volunteer Qualifications
Be willing to offer support and act as a positive role model, while your participant works to fulfill their goals and get ahead.
What You Will Do
- Attend a one-time, 3.5-hour training based on Bridges Out of Poverty
- Attend one monthly meeting with Getting Ahead participants and staff to discuss challenges
- Contact your participant by phone or in-person as needed throughout the month
What GECAC Will Do
- Pair you with a Getting Ahead participant
- Provide training
Bridges Out of Poverty Training
REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
A 2-hour training based on strategies from the Bridges Out of Poverty community support program authored by Dr. Ruby Payne, Ph.D. This training introduces a framework for understanding poverty and provides powerful tools, designed to help you more effectively serve those who live or have lived in poverty. The presentation enables us to reframe our own thinking in order to build and maintain relationships with people who are different than us.
Zoom Virtual Class
July 23, 2020
Thursday
5 PM - 7 PM
