Be a Mentor

As a faith-based, non-profit organization in the Chirilagua neighborhood, relationship building is at the heart of our Mentoring Program. We believe this holistic transformation begins with one-on-one matching with a student in the neighborhood. By investing in the life of a young child, mentors boost confidence in their academic skills and improve the student’s well-being. As we have seen mentorships grow, mentors learn more about their mentees and the Chirilagua neighborhood. It is our program goal for two lives to transform through one mentorship.

Apply to be a Mentor

Every mentor is required to pass a series of background checks and complete two trainings. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, giving one hour a week to a child in our neighborhood with a commitment of at least one year, please apply to be a mentor today.

Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Casa Chirilagua Mentors?

Casa Mentors are mature adults, 21 and older, who commit to maintaining a friendship with their mentee by meeting at least one hour a week for a minimum of one year.

Who are Casa Chirilagua Mentees?

Casa Mentees are children in elementary, middle and high school (1st-9th grade). Casa Mentees live in the Chirilagua (Arlandria) neighborhood and participate in at least one Casa Chirilagua program (Kids Club, Teens Club, Bible Study or Casa to College). Most children are from immigrant families and of Central American descent.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Speaking Spanish is not a requirement. The majority of our mentees speak both English and Spanish. Your mentee and program staff can help you communicate with his or her family if you do not speak Spanish.

How do I become a mentor?

To get started, contact our Mentoring Coordinator at mentoring@casachirilagua.org or complete the initial interest form at the end of this page. From there, you’ll be guided through our mentoring application and screening process, which includes an application, background check, personal interview, and required orientation.

This process helps ensure that our mentors are well-prepared, supported, and aligned with the heart and values of Casa Chirilagua as they step into meaningful relationships with youth.

How long does the screening process take?

The length of the screening process can vary based on how quickly an applicant completes the required steps and how long background checks take to process. Our team works closely with each applicant to move through the process as smoothly and clearly as possible.

How am I matched with a mentee?

After completing the screening process program staff will match you with a mentee based on age/gender preferences and interest/personality matches. We will notify you of your match, notify the family, then arrange a time for everyone to meet and set a regular meeting time and location.

When do mentoring sessions take place?

Mentors and mentees meet after-school, in the evening or on the weekends, depending on the preference of the mentor and mentee’s family. It is best to set a regular time (Tuesdays at 6pm or Saturdays at 10am, for example), but schedules can be flexible as long as there is good communication between the mentor and the student.

Where do mentoring sessions take place?

Our mentoring program is community-based, and mentoring sessions typically take place in public and community spaces such as libraries, parks, coffee shops, museums, sporting events, and other approved experiences throughout the city.

Mentors are never permitted to meet alone with a mentee in a private space or bring a mentee to their own home during the first year of the match. After the first year, mentors may request approval from the family and Casa Chirilagua staff for sessions to take place in the mentor’s home, in alignment with our Child Protection Policy (CPP). One-on-one meetings in private spaces are never permitted.

What kinds of things will my mentee and I do?

Each match is unique and how you spend your time will depend upon the interests and personality of your mentee. Some matches spend most of their time on reading and academic skills. Others enjoy doing projects together such as building a robot, learning sign-language, practicing a sport, etc. Some matches plan reward experiences like sporting events, movies, museum trips, etc.

What kinds of trainings & support are available?

All mentors are required to complete an orientation, Child Protection Training and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training prior to being matched with their mentee. Additional trainings will be offered throughout the relationship of which mentors are encouraged to take advantage. Mentors will have steady communication with program staff as a way of keeping staff informed of match’s progress.

Is faith a required component of the program?

Casa Chirilagua is a faith-based organization, and our mentoring program is rooted in a Christian worldview. While mentors come from a variety of backgrounds, we ask that all mentors feel comfortable engaging within this Christian framework, as faith and biblical values are woven into the life of our programs and relationships. As part of the application process, mentors are asked to complete a brief faith statement to help us ensure alignment and provide appropriate support.

What are the benefits of mentoring?

Mentoring is a meaningful, relational experience that impacts both the mentor and the mentee. Through consistent presence, shared experiences, and intentional conversation, young people gain encouragement, confidence, and support for healthy growth, while mentors often experience a deeper sense of purpose, connection, and personal growth as they walk alongside a young person.

Apply to be a Mentor

You can be a part of Casa Chirilagua’s mentor program! Please connect with our mentoring director to take the next steps in becoming a mentor. You can do that by sending a message through this form.