Thank you for your interest in the Spectrum Mentoring Program. It’s an experience that will change both your life and the life of your mentee!

Spectrum Mentor: A mentor in the Spectrum Mentoring Program acts as a positive adult role model and friend to a youth.

Who Are The Youth In Need of Mentors? The youth referred to the Spectrum Mentoring Program are between the age of 12 and 22 years old. They are referred from all of Spectrum's programs as well as from Burlington's middle schools and high school. The youth may be working with our Community Support and Supervision Program to fulfill the requirements of their probation. He or she may be receiving counseling from our mental health/substance abuse counselors. They may be struggling to succeed in school and their guidance counselor feels that they could benefit from a positive adult role model to encourage them in this endeavor.

Responsibilities of a Mentor

• Provide friendship, emotional support, and inspiration to the youth with whom you've been matched
• Commit to spending one hour per week/four hours per month (general guidelines to fit both of your schedules)
• Commit to match for a minimum of one year
• Adhere to Spectrum Mentor Program policies and procedures
• Submit on-line monthly activity log to program coordinator

Spectrum Diabetes | Mentoring Program

Spectrum Mentoring has expanded our current mentoring program to partner with Dr. Shumer of the Pediatric Endocrinology Department at Vermont's Children's Hospital to pair Type 1 diabetes adolescents with Type 1 diabetes adults in a mentoring relationship. Often those living with Type 1 diabetes can feel very isolated and alone as they may be the only one in their family or even their friends that live with this very serious condition. 

Having a mentoring relationship with an adult who truly understands and shares living with Diabetes 1 can truly be the difference in a positive and healthy life for the adolescent and a truly rewarding experience for the mentor. The process for matching and supporting these matches is the same as for our regular mentoring program.

Qualifications for all Mentors

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Adhere to all Spectrum Mentoring Program Policies & Procedures
• Agree to a one year commitment to the program
• Have access to an insured automobile and current license (with clean driving record) or have access to reliable means of transportation
• Attend a mandatory two-hour training session facilitated by Spectrum Mentoring Program Staff
• Before being matched with a mentee in our program, you will be expected to complete all necessary paperwork and background checks satisfactorily, including but not limited to:
  -Department of Motor Vehicles 3-year operators record check
  -Vermont Adult and Child Abuse & Neglect Registry check
  -Vermont Sex Offender Registry check
  -FBI National Record Check, which includes fingerprinting

Questions or interested in becoming a mentor? Please feel free to contact:
Deirdre Johnson// Mentor Program Staff
Mailing address: 31 Elmwood Avenue / Burlington, VT 05401
Email: djohnson@spectrumvt.org
Phone: 802.864.7423 x 321