Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Real Connections pairs caring adults with youth ages 16-21 in transition. These youth are preparing to leave substitute care, including foster homes, group homes, juvenile services, and independent living programs. All come from a background of abuse and/or neglect. When these youth turn 18, although they are considered adults by society, as we all know, there is still much to learn and a great need for continued support. These vulnerable youth face many barriers and are often left without the supports outside of the “system,” that they need to achieve some basic skills such as finding a job, keeping an apartment, handling money, or making decisions that will advance their independence. Many of our youth cannot answer the following question: “Who can you count on?” These youth need positive role models to develop healthy, trusting relationships.

This program is open to adults who already know a particular youth in care that they would like to provide stronger support to as well as adults who are interested in being connected to a youth in need.

We are looking for adults that are interested in making “Real Connections” with these youth. The mentoring relationship will be focused around a particular transition goal that the youth has identified. This could include attending college, pursuing a particular career or other support needs. Adult volunteers will be expected to attend two, three hour trainings on how to establish relationships and help youth achieve these goals. Youth and adult supporters will meet once a week for one hour or twice a month for two hours, and additional phone contact is encouraged. The commitment required is a minimum of one year. Adults must be at least 21 years of age and will be required to have a background check completed.

This opportunity is sponsored by: RI Foster Parents Association

This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Physically Disabled Adults (55+) Young Adults (18-25) Individual We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekly

Contact Person: Emily Buckbee, Relationship Coordinator, (401) 438-3900 x103, (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

55 South Brow Street East Providence, RI 02914 (See a map)

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Cities:		Barrington Central Falls Cranston Cumberland East Providence Johnston Lincoln North Providence Pawtucket Providence Rehoboth Riverside Rumford Seekonk Smithfield Warren Warwick
Counties:		Bristol Bristol Dukes Kent Middlesex New London Newport Norfolk Plymouth Providence Suffolk Washington Windham Worcester
Statewide:		Available throughout all of Rhode Island

Miscellaneous Information

Handicap accessible?
	Yes
Does this opportunity provide services to low-income communities?
	Yes