Midland Mentors

Would you be willing to spend a couple of hours, one day a week to change a life?

Midland Mentors is a program that serves our most at risk youth of the Monarch Academy at the Midland Juvenile Justice Center. The program began with grants from the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation, and the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundation and support from the state Child Care Fund. The program is now Court-funded. 

Target Population 

The Midland Mentors Program is intended for youth aged 11 to 17 who face environmental and individual factors that increase their vulnerability to negative outcomes, such as poor academic performance, involvement with the juvenile justice system, or substance abuse. Participants may be dealing with challenges such as:

• Family instability or having an incarcerated parent
• Low self-esteem or difficulties building positive relationships
• Behavioral issues or a history of school disciplinary referrals
• Exposure to violence or various types of risky behaviors

Program Goals

The primary goals of this program are to:

• Increase positive behaviors and reduce risky ones
• Improve social-emotional development, including higher self-esteem, self-confidence, and better relationships with peers and adults
• Boost academic engagement and achievement, leading to lower dropout rates, and higher rates of employment and/or college enrollment
• Enhance community connectedness, so youth feel a greater sense of belonging and support within their communities
• Develop essential life skills like communication, problem-solving, and future planning

Program Structure

The mentoring program is structured around the best practices identified by MENTOR, the national mentoring partnership. Key components include:

• Recruitment: Mentors are recruited through realistic descriptions of program goals and expected outcomes
• Screening and Training: All prospective mentors undergo a thorough screening process to ensure they possess the necessary personal qualities and commitment necessary to foster positive mentoring relationships.
• Monitoring and Support: Program coordinators continuously monitor the mentoring relationships to track milestones and support mentors with ongoing training and advice
• Closure: The program facilitates a positive closure experience, where the contributions of both mentor and mentee are affirmed

Desired Outcomes

• For Youth: Improved emotional well-being, increased academic success, reduced engagement in delinquent and risky behaviors, and stronger social and family relationships
• For Mentors: Increased self-awareness, a deeper understanding of youth development, and a rewarding sense of purpose from making a lasting, positive impact
• For the Community: A stronger, more connected community with reduced juvenile delinquency and a more empowered next generation

For more information on becoming a Midland Mentor, contact the Mentor Coordinator, Wendy Thomas of the Juvenile Justice Center at (989) 837-6080