The Need Approximately nine hundred of the 5,000 foster children in St. Louis are between the ages of 16 and 21. Many additional youth who still live with their own families are struggling with financial hardships. Without a job, education, or a vision for the future, many of these young people will lose direction at this pivotal time of their lives. They need mentors as positive role models and for support, encouragement, and guidance. They need individuals in their lives who will help during their transition into adulthood. Mentors on the job is an ideal way for these youth to be successful and become secure in their future.
The corporate and business community in St. Louis can make a difference in the fight against child abuse, youth homelessness, and the need for job opportunities by economically disadvantaged youth.
The Program The Missouri Mentoring Partnership (MMP) is an exciting and innovative program in the St. Louis area patterned after a nationally recognized program in San Diego. Originally a part of Family Resource Center’s Family Treatment Program, MMP’s success led to it splitting into its own program in 1999.
MMP is built on a partnership between the public and private sectors. The goal is to provide motivated young people who have experienced out-of-home placement and other difficult life challenges with employment and vocational/educational mentoring opportunities based at the work-site.
Services Provided
- MMP provides youth with guidance in interview skills and job readiness training. MMP then connects the job-ready, motivated youth with the corporations who take them on as employees and mentees.
- Corporations provide part-time employment and related training after school hours, monetary compensation for the young person’s work time, a corporate mentor who will work with the youth, and time for the mentor to attend training and support meetings.
- Mentors provide guidance and encourage hands-on experience in dealing with real world problems mentees may encounter, help them develop a vision for the future, meet regularly with the mentee, maintain ongoing contact and support, and participate in training on how to be the best possible mentor to the youth.
Staff
The Program Coordinator and other MMP staff provide training for mentors. Staff are trained to teach a curriculum of job-readiness training to youth, and provide them case management support toward their employment and educational goals.
Criteria for Referral
Youth must be between the ages of 16 and 21 and must be enrolled in some sort of educational program (high school, GED program, vocational training). Corporations are recruited by our Corporate Development Consultant.
Process of Referral
MMP generally receives referrals from St. Louis Public Schools, Division of Youth Services, MIssouri Children's Division, other community-based organizations, and individual self-referrals from youth and their parents.
Each referral requires a completed referral form, available from MMP. The referral process also includes an initial assessment and a service plan.
Program Partners
MMP is a partnership between Family Resource Center, the Missouri Department of Social Services, and over 60 area businesses and corporations who provide employment opportunities and work site mentors for the participating youth.
Contact Information
Missouri Mentoring Partnership
4411 N. Newstead Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63115
Map it
(314) 877-2012
Fax (314) 877-2028
TT: 1-800-735-2966
VOICE: 1-800-735-2466
Family Resource Center is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis.
Additional Information
The Missouri Mentoring Partnership benefits everyone’s bottom line! Here are just a few of the benefits:
- Corporate partners will get motivated employees and help produce a well-trained and dedicated workforce for tomorrow
- Mentors get training and support and the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a young person
- Youth benefit from earning an income and learn to be contributing members of society
- Youth receive an opportunity to continue their education while getting valuable work experience
- Youth get a connection with a mentor who cares about them and helps in their success in the workplace
MMP Mission Statement The Missouri Mentoring Partnership offers selected youth who have experienced out of home placement or difficult life challenges, an opportunity for employment with mentor support, thereby affording them success in the work place and preparation for a positive future as contributing adults in their community.