Click here to fill out a Mentor Application

The Saratoga Mentoring Program matches caring adult volunteers with children from single parent families. Mentors and kids spend a few hours together on a regular basis, building a friendship and having fun. Mentors are there to listen, guide and be a friend.

All you need is a few hours and the desire to reach out to a child.

The benefits to the child are proven: studies show that children who have a mentor will perform better in school, get along better with peers, and are more likely to make positive choices. Kids who have a mentor are less likely to get involved with drugs and alcohol.

Matches are made based on the mentor's skills and preferences. The kids are between the ages of 6 - 14. Most are from single parent families. Many don't have the chance to experience the rich cultural life of Saratoga Springs due to limited family resources. Having a mentor gives a child a positive role model, provides some new experiences, and helps the child to develop a sense of the future.

Mentoring is fun! Mentors often feel that they get more out of the experience than the kids! Mentors spend time playing sports, attending concerts, playing games, going to watch a hockey game together---it's a chance to be a kid again. Mentoring will expand your horizons; as a mentor, you will have a chance to develop new skills that may be helpful in other aspects of your life. Mentoring is very rewarding. This is a chance for you to make a real difference in the life of one child.

All you need to be a mentor is a little time and a big heart. Mentors range from ages 16 - 70+. Mentors come from all segments of the Saratoga community. Our current group of mentors include engineers, homemakers, teachers, realtors, artists, retirees, contractors, and college students.

If you would like to become a Mentor, click here.

Parents who are looking for a mentor for their child can phone the Saratoga Mentoring Program at 581-1487. Or, parents can sign up online. click here.

Click here to fill out a Mentor Application