Mentoring

Tuesday’s Children Mentoring Program continues to be one of the most impactful programs offered by creating life long friendships that help to develop coping skills and build strengths through quality, consistent and fun times together.  Children, six to sixteen years old that lost a loved one on September 11th, 2001, are paired with specially trained adult role models who can offer new opportunities and provide guidance.  We run programs in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York.  Every potential volunteer mentor, twenty one years and older, is asked to complete a written application, provide four references, both personal and professional, submit a background and driving record check and participate in a personal interview with Mentoring Department staff. 

Mentors and children are matched based on common interests, similar personality traits and location. Each volunteer meets with the child twice a month, either in the child’s home or within their community, for one on one visits, which may include playing basketball in the backyard, helping with homework, playing board games, taking in sporting/cultural events, volunteering together for community service projects or just providing a shoulder to lean on.   With the support of Tuesday’s Children, matches participate in group outings to build community and share new experiences.  Sixty three percent of our mentoring matches exceed the minimum commitment of one year, which surpasses the national match length average.   

• Over 90% of children/adolescents who responded to our targeted survey indicated that they felt listened to and cared about by their mentor and that they had developed a caring and trusting relationship with their mentor. 
• 97% of the parents/guardians who responded to the survey reported that they believe the mentor provided a positive role model for their children. 

“Angelo is that special person that he doesn’t have to share with his sister or cousins.  Mathew loves the time he spends with Angelo. He feels very special and enjoys being away from the girls.  Angelo and Mathew went fishing in September and he had an incredible time.  He caught a fish and cooked it with his Uncle that night.  We all had a few bites and enjoyed it.  Fishing is something Mathew has always wanted to do, so I’m glad he had the opportunity”.

- Tricia D., Parent in Long Island Mentoring Program

For information about our Mentoring program, please contact Danielle Cooperhouse or Sara Wingerath at 516-562-9000.