Mentor Kenosha & Racine Resources

Establishing Trust: A little patience goes a long way...

By: Crista Kruse

Over the past several months, we have heard from our mentoring program staff and many of the Mentor Kenosha and Racine (Mentor KR) mentors regarding the status of their mentoring relationships. Some are reporting that they dove right in and felt a connection with their mentees quickly, while others have reported more difficulty making the connection. No need to worry, both scenarios are completely normal. All mentor relationships take different forms and varied amounts of time to establish a comfortable relationship for the mentor and the mentee alike.

We have learned through research that access to mentor training and access to ongoing resources are important to supporting the mentoring relationship. One of the easiest and quickest solutions is to pick up the phone and call the mentoring program to share any frustration. They are the experts who have been working in the field for a long time and can work with you to resolve any issues. They can also share their personal experience and other mentors experiences with you to help alleviate your concerns.

Here are some additional great ways to access resources:

• Mentor Kenosha & Racine Trainings.  Provided at no cost for all mentors!

• Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentor forum. Go to www.beabignow.org find “current mentors” in the left-hand column. This link will bring you to another link call “the big forum.” Simply apply for membership and wait for approval. This is an online interactive resource for mentors to help build a supportive mentor to mentor network. Staff may also be directed questions through this forum.

• Mentor KR Newsletters! We have a column “Tips and Tools” that includes training information, websites and other ideas to assist with your mentoring sessions.

• Summer and community based activities.  You may call your program administrator if you are interested in participating in a community activity, such as going to the museum, zoo, or  sporting event. There may be Summer activities available.  Mentor KR will keep you posted!

Please remember that all mentor/mentee relationships take time to establish trust. That is always the first step along the way to developing long-lasting friendships.

Tips and Tools

Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota

At this website you will find on the right hand side of the page, free down-loadable tools for mentoring adolescents.

Education Northwest
This website offers a free online course that features real life mentoring scenarios.

If you have any tips or tools that you would like us to share in our next newsletter, email them to Crista at crista.kruse@uwp.edu.

To find out more about Mentor Kenosha & Racine, contact one of the following individuals:

Crista Kruse, 262-595-2604
Mark Gesner, 262-595-2635