How does a child benefit by enrolling in Companions for Children?
Companions for Children offers its Youth Companions (YC’s) a screened and safe mentor. Mentors are volunteers, and participate in a thorough screening and training process. Youth whom spend time regularly with a mentor tend to get along with their families, choose to attend college, and participate in detrimental activities at a much lower rate. Mentoring is a great way to help a child grow up to be an emotionally healthy, productive adult!

How can I enroll my son/daughter in Companions for Children?
Prospective child companions must:

· be between the ages of 6 and 14 at the time of enrollment

· reside within 15 miles of Minot

· live in a single-parent household

· have a desire to participate in the program, and willingness to support a match

If your child or children meet these criteria and you are willing and able to support the match relationship, please fill out a Youth Companion application for each child you wish to enroll. Then call the office to set up an enrollment interview. Once your child is enrolled, he/she will be eligible to be matched with a mentor as soon as an appropriate volunteer can be found. Your child will also be eligible to receive a YMCA membership free of charge, and have the opportunity to participate in Companions for Children sponsored service learning activities.

For specifics on the process by which mentors are selected, please click on this link.

PLEASE read the Family Handbook for more information on our mentoring programs.

Youth Companion Application

Permission/Release form

Family Handbook

CfC Mentoring Programs

Adult Companion Mentoring Program

The Adult Companion Program facilitates a one-on-one mentoring relationship between an “Adult Companion” – a screened and trained adult volunteer mentor, and a “Youth Companion” - a youth ages 6-15 residing in a single parent home. The mentor is not in place to judge the youth or keep track of their every move. Nor are they in place to serve as a provider or babysitter for the youth. Remember, the mentor is a volunteer. The mentor is in place to bolster the youth’s self-esteem by spending time with them, listening to what you have to say, and showing interest in the youths life. The Adult Companion is also meant to guide the youth toward positive behaviors, to be a role model. Mentors will not replace a parent or guardian, but they are there for the youth.

The Wellness Companion Mentoring Program

The Wellness Companion Program facilitates one-on-one mentoring relationships over a eight-week period between a “Wellness Companion” - a screened and trained adult mentor, and a “Youth Companion” - a youth ages 9-15 residing in a single-parent home, to:

• Increase the knowledge of participating youth about the value of physical activity and good nutrition;

• Increase the knowledge of participating youth about physical activities they can do and how to make better nutritional choices; and

• Increase their physical activity level and change their eating habits to reflect better nutritional choices.

If you would like to have your child participate in the Wellness Companion Mentoring Program, please contact our office. Also, please review and fill out the Permission/Release form.