Volunteers & Mentors
A few hours each month can make a world of difference in a child's life.
Franklin County Children Services helps thousands of abused, neglected and troubled children each year. Yet, the agency cannot do it alone. Many children and older youth under the care of the agency depend on volunteers and mentors to guide them through difficult times. They look forward to spending time and sharing activities with a special friend.
Children Services has various ways that individuals can volunteer and mentor children. The agency's Friendship, Simba, Malaika, and College-Bound mentoring programs match an adult one-on-one with a child under the care of Children Services.
The minimum requirements for our volunteers and mentors are pretty basic:
- 18 years or older (21 years or older for the College-Bound Program)
- Valid driver's license, and car insurance
- Once matched with a youth, the volunteer or mentor is asked to maintain contact with the youth at least two times a month for a minimum of six months.
- Free, but required two hour training conducted by Children Services staff
Friendship Volunteer Program - Email
- Friendship volunteers give a child the opportunity to have a positive, meaningful and continuing relationship with an adult.
- Volunteer Brochure
Simba - Email
- Simba means "young lions" in Swahili, and the foundation for this program is based on Africentric mentoring and rites of passage. Simba matches African American male youths with African American men from the community to act as role models and give friendship, support, and guidance to the young men.
- Simba Brochure
Malaika - Email
- Malaika matches African American women to act as role models, for African American girls. Malaika is a Swahili word meaning, "Angel," and is an Africentric mentoring program committed to affirming the positive aspects of childhood while easing the transition to womanhood.
- Malaika Brochure
College-Bound Program - Email
- Many youths under the care of Children Services have the dream of pursuing higher education. These mentors, who have some college experience themselves, assist students with negotiating through the process of finding information out about higher education opportunities, application processes, financial aid questions, and serving as a support person or advocate.
- College Bound Mentors Brochure
Crisis Center Volunteers - Email
- Our Crisis Center is located at our agency's Intake and Investigation's Department. Each of the volunteers at this location is not matched with a specific child. Instead, much needed support, interaction, and supervision is provided for children when they are brought to Intake. Because we don't know when families and children will be in crisis, there may be times when a volunteer is serving, and there are no children to help. Other times, our doors are bulging with children who need attention.
Additionally, we are currently looking for additional ways volunteers can have a positive, strong impact on the population of children and families that we serve. If you are interested in volunteering with Children Services, and feel that you have something different to offer, please Email us.
Contact Information:
614.275.2633
Email
