VERGE
Much like KID'S HOPE USA, VERGE is a one-on-one mentoring program between one mature adult and one student. However, VERGE is a mentoring program only for middle school students.
Since 2000, Christ Community and Cameron Elementary have partnered together to make the KID'S HOPE USA program a success. Mentors and students have connected with one another. Students' reading levels have boosted, and their confidence levels have increased.
Over the years, mentors have asked the question: "Since KID'S HOPE USA is only for elementary-aged students, what happens when my student begins middle school?" They did not want to stop mentoring the student they had built a friendship with simply because the child was moving on to middle school.
Therefore, the 2007-2008 school year was the launch of "VERGE." It looked similar to the KID'S HOPE USA program, with the mentors and students meeting one hour per week, but at a different location now that the student was in middle school.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Mentors: Above anything else, a mentor is a friend. The mentor uses materials provided by the teacher to help the child achieve a specific objective during each one-hour session. Each mentor will be under the supervision of a teacher at the student's school and report to the KID'S HOPE USA/VERGE Director. All mentors will be fully trained, and anyone who meets the following qualifications can apply:
n Love children and be sensitive to their needs
n Be willing to listen to a child and accept this child as he/she is
n Maintain a confidential relationship
n Be reliable
n Be able to read
n Be willing to ask for help
n Be part of an educational team
n Have own transportation
n Be able to pass a background check
n Be open to a life-changing experience!