The Champions Mentoring Program

     The Champions Mentoring Program for children of prisoners is designed to provide a safe environment where these special children can share their feelings and concerns, improve their coping skills and enhance their resiliency. They receive weekly, one-on-one attention from a caring adult volunteer mentor, who has been thoroughly screened and trained. Mentors, mentees and the child’s family have access to staff at all times for problem solving, questions, and help accessing resources. Champions is a joint program of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership and Family ReEntry. Funding is primarily through a Children of Prisoners grant from the Administration of Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Why are children of prisoners unique?
     These children often suffer quietly from the absence and stigma of their parent being in prison. The absence of their parent, combined with many other risk factors, such as poverty, can become difficult challenges for these children. Mentoring can help.

Mentoring helps children become “Champions” for life!
     In as little as one hour a week, a Mentor can make a major difference in these children’s lives. Mentors can help “champion” a child to better grades, greater confidence, more strength in the face of adversity, and a successful, crime-free adult life.

What are the elements of the program?
     This comprehensive program provide a three-tiered Mentoring program (school-based, faith-based and reentry center-based) for up to 75 children, ages 9-13, who reside in Bridgeport. The Champions Program emphasizes:
• One on one mentoring
• Decreased use of alcohol or drugs
• Safe atmosphere for youth to interact with their mentors
• Lessons in resolving conflicts without violence
• Increased self-esteem

Who can be a Champions Mentor?
     Anyone ages 18 and older who has the desire to work with children and can come to Bridgeport once a week can become a Mentor. Each Mentor is interviewed and screened. Training is provided.

What is the time commitment?
     Consistency with the child is a very important. Mentors meet with their Champions child 1 to 1 1/2 hours per week for a minimum of one year. Mentoring hours are flexible; they start after school and go into the evening. The staff will try and work through special scheduling situations, too. Some Mentors have a partner that comes at the same time in case one cannot make it to a session.

Where does the Mentoring take place?
     Mentoring sessions are held in the same community-based Bridgeport locations every week. The locations are safe and comfortable with toys, books and other activities available for mentors and children to do together. There is also space for mentors to help the children with homework or to just talk. Mentors are not required to transport children at any time during the program.

Want to learn more about becoming a Mentor?
     For more information or to attend an information session, call 203-382-1190 or
e-mail us at champions@familyreentry.org.

The Champions Mentoring Program is a collaboration of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership and Family ReEntry. This program is funded primarily by a three-year grant from the Administration for Children and Families, a Division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Problem | About Us | Programs | Mentoring
ReEntry Center | Our Budget | Be a Volunteer | Make a Donation
Newsletter | Home