Mentoring News/Resources

September 2024 Mentoring News

Published

Training for Programs

Virtual Mentoring 101 Training
Saturday, September 14, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, September 25, 6 - 8 p.m.

This interactive training program provides participants with an introduction to mentoring and what to expect as a mentor. Topics like the "mentoring lifecycle," communication skills, establishing boundaries, and appreciating diversity will make it easier for mentors to navigate relationships with their mentees. This training is appropriate to introduce new volunteers to the field of mentoring and to refresh current mentors on best practices. You must be registered to attend. Registration will close once the training is full or 2 days before the scheduled session. Click here to register!

 

Virtual Introduction to TMP Services & Elements of Effective Practice
Wednesday, September 18, Noon - 1:30 p.m.

This 90-minute informational session is intended to introduce mentoring program staff to the technical assistance, training, and networking services provided by The Mentoring Partnership. The foundation of our services is based on the 16 Elements of Effective Practice, a collection of research-informed practices for youth mentoring programs.  During this workshop, you will be introduced to those elements as a way to learn how The Mentoring Partnership can offer you ongoing support.  Attending this training is also the first step in applying for technical assistance.  Sessions are currently being done virtually.  Registration will close 2 days before the scheduled session and you must be registered to attend.  Click here to register.

 

September 2024 LENS: Trauma and Mindfulness
Thursday, September 12, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
OneValley at the Roundhouse, 1st Floor Academy Room
4165 Blair St, Pittsburgh, PA 15207

Join us for this in-person LENS Meeting with Dawn Lehman, Program Coordinator of Awaken Pittsburgh.  This LENS meeting will help adults working with young people understand how trauma shows up and the importance of mindfulness and knowing yourself and your needs.  Our conversation will include:

  • Introduction to mindfulness for yourselves & the children/youth you work with
  • How trauma shows up for us all - adults and kids
  • How to have hard conversations with youth
  • Ways mentors can support young people and help them discover what their needs and triggers are 

This session will take place in-person only.  Registration will close 2 days prior to the scheduled session and you must be registered to attend.  Click here to register!

Training for Mentors and Mentees

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Friday, September 27, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Pittsburgh Promise Offices
1901 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Suitable for any adult working with youth, Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth.  This 8-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.   This course will be delivered in-person.  First Aiders will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class and then participate in a 6-hour, instructor-led session.  Click here to register.

 

TMP Now Offering Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA)

Did you know that 1 in 5 teens in the U.S. will experience a mental health challenge by the time they are 18? [Source: Mental Health First Aid]  Mentoring and strong relationships can be a protective factor when it comes to mental health and well-being and TMP is thrilled to share that we're now an official provider of Teen Mental Health First Aid training (tMHFA).  This course is designed to teach teens in grades 9-12 how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among their friends and peers.  Special thanks to Jewish Healthcare Foundation for their support in helping us bring this training to more young people in our community!  Click here to learn more.

Program Development

Mentor Chat Podcast Season 6 

We're moving through Season 6 of our Mentor Chat Podcast.  In case you missed the last couple of episodes, check them out below!  You can also search "Mentor Chat" on all major podcast listening platforms.

TMP Impact in Action: Relationship-Centered Schools with Avonworth

TMP recently facilitated a day-long professional development session with Avonworth High School to help teachers and administration think critically about how to use a once-weekly class period to focus on intentional relationship building with and among their students. Using Human-Centered Design strategies, the team ended the day with concrete action steps they hope to implement this year to deepen their relationships with students.  Thank you for having us, Avonworth High!

Community News

Meet Kimberly Yetter: TMP's Education Coordinator

Meet our newest team member, Kimberly Yetter, Education Coordinator. In this role, Kim will collaborate with local school districts to implement TMP's Relationship-Centered Schools framework. She brings a wealth of expertise in education, with a bachelor's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Educational Leadership, alongside over 15 years of experience as both an educator and school administrator. Kim is enthusiastic about empowering schools to leverage strong relationships, helping students thrive and achieve their full potential. If you are interested in learning how Kim can support you in centering relationships in your school, please reach out to her at kyetter@mentoringpitsburgh.org.

 

Nominations Open: Steelers All-Peer Team

TMP is teaming up with The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to build the third annual Steelers All-Peer Team.  Click here to read up on the players already named to the team.  Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis and must be made by a coach, principal or athletic director.  Winners will participate in a discussion with Steelers players and will celebrate during an on-field ceremony at a Steelers home game this upcoming season. Winning players will also receive a $1,000 donation to their school's athletic program.

 

Click here to nominate one or more student athletes!  Nominations only need to be submitted once to be considered over the course of the 11-week entry period.

 

Kidsburgh: The most important back-to-school supply? A growth mindset.

Going into a new school year can be daunting for parents and students alike. But one piece of advice for handling another long school year is this: Have an open mind for any new challenges that come your way by adopting a growth mindset... Read More from Kidsburgh!