Downtown Fellowship Mentorship Program

Downtown Fellowship's Mentorship Program pairs volunteer mentors with individuals who are transitioning out of homelessness. Mentors meet with their mentees weekly for at least 6 months. Mentors also attend quarterly trainings. Mentors are not professionals and are not expected to provide case management; rather, they provide compassionate listening and friendship, as fellow human beings. We believe that people are designed for positive relationships, and that mentorship is therefore a crucial part of responding to homelessness in San Diego.

Mentor Application

First Name

Middle Initial

Last Name

E-mail

Phone

Texting OK?

Yes

Yes, and preferred

No

Current Address

Age

Gender

Emergency Contact (Name & Phone Number)

Marital Status

Do you have children under 18?

Are you fluent in any other languages?

English only

Spanish

Other Other

Are you interested in providing a component of spiritual care?

Yes

No

Maybe

Comments:

Are you willing to commit to at least 6 months of time with your mentee?

Yes

No

Are you able to meet with your mentee once a week
and attend mentor support meetings once a month?

Yes

No

If 'no', please explain.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony?

Yes

No

If 'yes', please explain.

When can you start mentoring?

Please indicate days & times you can meet with your mentee.

Please indicate if you have any special needs or restrictions we should be aware of.

Why do you want to become a mentor?

Do you have any experience or training related to homelessness, drug addiction, mental illness, incarceration, domestic violence, or related issues? If so, please describe.

What are some things you do to cope with stress?

What is your educational background?

Please describe your work background, including current employment (if applicable).

A personal history of mental illness, substance abuse, or criminal activity does not necessarily disqualify you from becoming a mentor; in fact, such firsthand experience may be a highly valuable asset for use in mentoring. In order to help others achieve greater stability, however, we must ensure that our mentors are sufficiently stable themselves. If you have personally dealt with any of these issues, please give a brief description and include specific information about the time periods involved.

In what specific areas could you support your mentee?

What activities would you enjoy doing with your mentee?

What social groups could you help your mentee find and join?

For the following questions, please rate your level of comfort working with the following populations.

Transgender individuals

Lesbian, gay, or bisexual individuals

Veterans

Drug or alcohol addiction

Former inmates

Former foster youth

Victims of domestic violence

Victims of sexual abuse

Diverse religious or spiritual beliefs

Autism or other social skill disorders

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder

Psychotic episodes

African-American culture

Latino/Hispanic culture

Please provide two personal references who know you well and can attest to your qualifications as a volunteer mentor.

Reference #1:

Name

Relationship

E-mail

Phone

Reference #2:

Name

Relationship

E-mail

Phone

How did you hear about the Downtown Fellowship mentorship program?

I certify that the facts set forth in this volunteer application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statement, omission or misrepresentation in my application or placement interview may result in the rejection of my application or discharge from the mentorship program. I consent to having a background check completed prior to mentoring. I consent to the contents of this application being reviewed and discussed by representatives of the Downtown Fellowship of Churches and Ministries, for the purpose of the mentorship program. *

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Filling out paperwork	Using computers	Gaining employment
Organizational skills	Communication skills	Money management
Addiction recovery	Domestic violence recovery	Building healthy relationships
Coping skills for anger	Coping skills for mental illness	Physical exercise
Nutrition	Personal healthcare	Christian discipleship
Prayer	Networking	Artistic expression
Childcare and parenting	Improving education level	Homemaking skills

Arts & crafts	Balboa Park	Beach
Board games/puzzles	Mall	Movies
Museums	Photography	Sporting events
Working out	Other Other

AA meetings	Bible studies	Book clubs
Church	Continuing education	Life skills classes
Recovery meetings	Senior centers	Sports teams
Support groups	Other Other