Mentors Opening Doors Enriching Lives
(MODEL)

This is an excellent resource for children who have a parent in prison.

Mentors Opening Doors Enriching Lives (MODEL) is a free service for Youth whose parents are incarcerated. MODEL provides quality adult mentors to children and youth from four to 15 years old who have an incarcerated parent. Each youth is matched with a fantastic mentor. This style of mentoring is a great way to help children perform better in school, have stronger family relationships, and be more equipped to avoid negative activities or peer relationships.

Currently, MODEL mentoring services are targeted to children in seven regions of Florida including Gainesville (Lake & Marion Counties), Jacksonville, Melbourne, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach and many of the surrounding communities.

If you have a child you'd like to see in this program or if you believe you'd enjoy being a mentor to the children, contact Tina McGowin, Who wrote the following letter:

Kay Lee,
I came across your web page, and wanted to share some information about the MODEL-mentoring program with you.

The MODEL-mentoring program is designed to provide mentoring services to youth ages 4 - 15 who have a parent incarcerated.

The goals of the program are to improve school performance, strengthen family ties, develop lasting mentoring relationships, and increase developmental assets of the youth.  The youth will receive mentoring services for at least an hour a week for one year.  Prior to the youth match the mentor will have completed a background screening, a motor vehicle driving screening, personal reference checks, completion of training hours, and an interview process. 

An individualized plan for the mentor to carry out will be developed in collaboration with the caretaker, the incarcerated parent, the volunteer coordinator, and the youth.  Emphasis will be placed on school attendance/grades/behavior, developmental assets, family functioning, and life skills.

The program is community based, therefore the youth will participate in an array of activities, ranging from movie outings, beach or park outings, dinners, visiting public libraries, assistance with homework, setting goals, learning life skills, and most of all having FUN!

I'm excited about providing this wonderful opportunity to the families who view your web page. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Thank you,
Tina McGowin
Volunteer Coordinator
MODEL Mentoring Program
727-552-1482 ext. 229
Tina.Mcgowin@chsfl.org

"Mentoring is a structured and trusting relationship that brings young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support, and encouragement aimed at developing the competence and character of the mentee."  (Rhodes, 2000)