Companions for Children's purpose is to provide adult volunteer companionship to children between the ages of 6 and 14 who live in a SINGLE parent household within 15 miles of Minot. That is, north as far as the air force base, south as far as the radar base, west as far as Burlington and east as far as Surrey.

How can I become an Adult Companion?
Adult Companions are not matched with Child Companions to teach morality nor impress values and standards. Neither are they disciplinarians, babysitters, tutors, or therapists. Prospective Adult Companions must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • commit at least one year to the program
  • have an interest in spending time with a child at least once a week
  • complete the Companions for Children screening process, which includes a background check, interviews, and the completion of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, both of which are interpreted by a licensed psychologist

    Once the screening process has been completed and approved, CfC staff will schedule a selection meeting for the Adult Companion. At this meeting, you will review three files that the staff considers appropriate matches. After reviewing the files, you will choose a youth with whom you would feel comfortable spend time. The staff then reviews the responsibilities of the Adult Companion and shares appropriate materials. Next, an appointment is set for the match meeting.

    The value of the one-to-one friendship for the youth lies in the personal relationship between the companion and the youth. Therefore, it is very important that you choose someone with whom you can feel comfortable and maintain a relationship.

    The Match Meeting
    As a new Adult Companion, you will then meet a member of the staff at the CfC office where you will go over some details of your new role as a companion. From the office, both you and the staff member will go to the youth's home to meet him or her and the youth's parent/family. The match meeting is meant to be as comfortable as possible. It is a time you, the youth, and the parent/family begin to get to know one another. At this meeting, a series of match-up questions are asked, photos are taken, and then the staff member leaves so the Adult Companion can interact freely with the youth. It is highly recommended that the two of you go on a short outing during the match meeting. This is a choice you and your companion can make at the time. All activities after that are planned by both the adult and youth companions.

    If you are interested in becoming an Adult Companion, please contact our office to schedule an orientation and begin the interview and registration process.

    Benedictus que venit in nomine pax.